2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Atascadero, CA vs Santa Maria, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Santa Maria or is it cheaper to live in Atascadero?
- Santa Maria is 5.9% more expensive than Atascadero.

Which city has more affordable housing, Santa Maria or Atascadero?
- Santa Maria housing costs are 23.2% less expensive than Atascadero housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Atascadero or is Health Care more affordable in Santa Maria.
- Health related expenses are 3.9% more in Santa Maria.
 Atascadero, CASanta Maria, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.7100
 Food & Groceries106.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock113.2100
 Housing218.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$565,100$338,100
 Utilities110  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock95.2100
 Miscellaneous143.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Atascadero    8 Reviews

Moved up here 20 years ago from coastal Southern California and we love it. Home prices are high, and wages do not keep pace, but that’s a problem for all of California.  More

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Over 9 years ago

Have lived on the Central Coast of California for many years, and the area is wonderful with a moderate Med climate and laid back lifestyle. Unfortunately as I near  More

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We moved to Atascadero in 2006 and at that time it was nice, low crime rate. Lots of places to eat and go out. BUT today 2015 is a lot different. The homeless have  More

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Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 6 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

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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

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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

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