Santa Barbara, California vs. Santa Cruz, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California is 6.6% cheaper than Santa Barbara, California.

You would need a salary of $61,638 in Santa Cruz, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Santa Barbara, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Cruz, California is cheaper than Santa Barbara, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
16% cheaper in Santa Cruz
than in Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, CA vs. Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  6.6% 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
  2.0% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  21.7% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  3.7% higher
  Commute
  13.9% higher
  Health
  3.5% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  2.0% higher