Monterey, California vs. Santa Cruz, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California is 16.4% more expensive than Monterey, California.

You would need a salary of $116,352 in Santa Cruz, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Monterey, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Cruz, California is more expensive than Monterey, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
24% more expensive in Santa Cruz
than in Monterey, California
Monterey, CA vs. Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to Monterey, Santa Cruz is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  16.4% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  1.0% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  14.3% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  7.3% higher
  Commute
  20.0% higher
  Health
  24.0% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  3.2% higher