2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Jackson, TN vs Santa Maria, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Santa Maria or is it cheaper to live in Jackson?
- Santa Maria is 91.7% more expensive than Jackson.

Which city has more affordable housing, Santa Maria or Jackson?
- Santa Maria housing costs are 219.8% more expensive than Jackson housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Jackson or is Health Care more affordable in Santa Maria.
- Health related expenses are 14.8% more in Santa Maria.
 Jackson, TNSanta Maria, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.7100
 Food & Groceries93.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock113.2100
 Housing52.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$565,100$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock95.2100
 Miscellaneous108.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Jackson    11 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Let me tell you. Jackson Tennessee has become a literal hell hole. This is where America sends it's dreams to die. The city is riddled with crime and it's a small city  More

   |    Reply

We moved to Jackson in 2015 and have enjoyed getting to know this great community. We are pleased with the hospitality of the residents here. We have 4 Colleges and  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

West TN is hot and humid during the months of May, June, July, August, and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Jackson

Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 7 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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Maria


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.