Santa Cruz, California vs. Santa Maria, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Maria, California is 40.3% cheaper than Santa Cruz, California.

You would need a salary of $29,828 in Santa Maria, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Santa Cruz, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Maria, California is cheaper than Santa Cruz, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
55% cheaper in Santa Maria
than in Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, CA vs. Santa Maria, CA
Compared to Santa Cruz, Santa Maria is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  40.3% lower
      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
  8.0% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  57.8% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  1.7% lower
  Commute
  13.8% lower
  Health
  3.7% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  1.7% lower