Home / Select Cities  /  2024 Comparing Rio Rancho, NM vs. Santa Maria, CA

2024 Compare Cities Overview:
Rio Rancho, NM vs Santa Maria, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Maria older or younger than people in Rio Rancho?
- The Median Age in Santa Maria is 9.5 years younger than in Rio Rancho.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Maria or Rio Rancho?
- Santa Maria housing costs are 81.8% more expensive than Rio Rancho housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Maria or Rio Rancho?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Maria is 7.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Rio Rancho.

Things to do in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho is a wonderful city located in New Mexico. It's known for its vast open spaces, exciting culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the local area by taking advantage of outdoor activities like visiting Old San Ysidro Church or playing a game of disc golf at the Riverwalk Disc Golf Park. Culture buffs can visit places like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and Petroglyph National Monument to gain insight into local culture. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Rio Rancho Pizzeria or Ichiban Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar. With so much to offer, Rio Rancho is an amazing place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

Things to do in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria, California is a vibrant city located in Santa Barbara County. From its stunning coastal landscape to its various cultural attractions, there's something for everyone in Santa Maria! Visitors can explore outdoor activities like Pismo Beach or takein some culture at places like the Allan Hancock College Museum of Natural History. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse sites like the Fremont Theater or the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Taqueria Don Beto or Mingos Mexican Restaurant. With so much to offer, Santa Maria makes for an unforgettable experience!

 Rio Rancho, NMSanta Maria, CAUnited States
 Population102,403109,309329,725,481
 Median Income$70,615$73,300$69,021
 Median Age38.729.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$310,800$565,100$338,100
 Unemployment Rate7.6%11.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.3820.7926.38

View More Data >

Reviews for Rio Rancho    21 Reviews

I have lived in the area for the past three years with my husband. Although vastly better than Albuquerque, this is not a safe area. We have had overt and petty crime on  More

   |    Reply

The pros: -Fairly good year-round weather. Sunny days outnumber cloudy days, there are days when the temps fall below freezing and the sun will still be shining. It's  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

Affordable housing, low crime (compared to Albuquerque), awesome weather with all 4 seasons, beautiful environment and some pretty awesome people. I love Rio Rancho,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Rio Rancho

Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

   |    Reply

The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Maria

 Most Recent Searches On Compare Cities
COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare Rio Rancho, New Mexico Cost of Living vs Santa Maria, California Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
Compare Now


ZIPS IN RIO RANCHO, NEW MEXICO
87124 87144
ZIPS IN SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
93458 93454

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.

Try Now