Santa Fe Springs, CA vs South Whittier, CA
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
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)