Home / Compare / Santa Fe Springs vs South Whittier

Santa Fe Springs, CA vs South Whittier, CA

151
Santa Fe Springs
California
VS
+2%
148
South Whittier
California

Santa Fe Springs, CA and South Whittier, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2% difference in their overall index. Santa Fe Springs scores 151 while South Whittier scores 148 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Santa Fe Springs is $1,965/month compared to $1,823/month in South Whittier — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while South Whittier has cheaper rent, Santa Fe Springs actually has lower median home values ($624,700 vs $641,700).

Median household income in Santa Fe Springs is $86,857 compared to $98,974 in South Whittier (-12.2%). South Whittier offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Santa Fe Springs spend roughly 27.1% of their income on rent, more than the 22.1% in South Whittier.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.2°F vs 66.2°F). South Whittier receives more rainfall at 11.9" per year compared to 11.9" in Santa Fe Springs.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Santa Fe Springs
151
South Whittier
148
2% cheaper
Median Household Income
Santa Fe Springs
$86,857
South Whittier
$98,974
12% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Santa Fe Springs
$1,965
South Whittier
$1,823
7% cheaper
Median Home Value
Santa Fe Springs
$624,700
3% cheaper
South Whittier
$641,700
Population
Santa Fe Springs
19,310
South Whittier
55,201

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Santa Fe Springs $2,031
South Whittier $2,031
1 Bed
Santa Fe Springs $2,272
South Whittier $2,272
2 Bed
Santa Fe Springs $2,835
South Whittier $2,835
3 Bed
Santa Fe Springs $3,599
South Whittier $3,599
4 Bed
Santa Fe Springs $4,010
South Whittier $4,010

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Santa Fe Springs $3.28
South Whittier $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Santa Fe Springs $2.68
South Whittier $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Santa Fe Springs $4.31
South Whittier $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Santa Fe Springs $1.98
South Whittier $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Santa Fe Springs $4.44
South Whittier $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Santa Fe Springs $0.27
South Whittier $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Santa Fe Springs 66.2°F
South Whittier 66.2°F
Summer High
Santa Fe Springs 84°F
South Whittier 84°F
Winter Low
Santa Fe Springs 46°F
South Whittier 46°F
Rainfall
Santa Fe Springs 11.9"
South Whittier 11.9"
Rainy Days
Santa Fe Springs 38d
South Whittier 38d