Santa Monica, California vs. Santa Cruz, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California is 25.2% cheaper than Santa Monica, California.

You would need a salary of $44,906 in Santa Cruz, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Santa Monica, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Cruz, California is cheaper than Santa Monica, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
23% cheaper in Santa Cruz
than in Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica, CA vs. Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to Santa Monica, Santa Cruz is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  25.2% 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
  0.1% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  46.5% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  15.7% higher
  Commute
  28.6% lower
  Health
  21.1% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  0.6% higher