The City of Santa Clara has been rated as a "very low-cost" city in which to do business, according to a nationwide survey that compares tax costs and economic incentives in hundreds of cities. Results of the survey are published annually by the Kosmont Companies, an organization focused on public/private partnerships in community development and redevelopment.

Santa Clara "ranks among the most competitive cities for purposes of fostering economic development and attracting businesses," according to Kosmont researchers. Among other things, the survey considers competitive taxes and fees, and expedited project approvals and processes. Kosmont ratings range from very low cost to low cost, medium cost, and high cost. In Northern California, "high cost" cities include San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland. "Medium cost" cities include Alameda, Richmond, and Vallejo. "Low cost" cities include Daly City, Livermore, Santa Rosa, Gilroy, Palo Alto, and San Jose. In addition to Santa Clara, "very low cost" cities include South San Francisco, San Mateo, Antioch, Concord, Fremont, and Fairfield.

The survey is used by private-sector developers and investors as a tool to help evaluate cities for business development.