2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Santa Maria, CA vs Pawleys Island, SC

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Pawleys Island or is it cheaper to live in Santa Maria?
- Pawleys Island is 38.8% less expensive than Santa Maria.

Which city has more affordable housing, Pawleys Island or Santa Maria?
- Pawleys Island housing costs are 24.7% less expensive than Santa Maria housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Santa Maria or is Health Care more affordable in Pawleys Island.
- Health related expenses are 10.7% less in Pawleys Island.
 Santa Maria, CAPawleys Island, SCUnited States
 Overall  Unlock94.7100
 Food & Groceries102.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock101.1100
 Housing168.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,288,500$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock79.0100
 Miscellaneous142.5  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 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

   |    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

Reviews for Pawleys Island    4 Reviews

DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS AREA IF ONE IS SEEKING A WARM PLACE TO BE AT LEAST 5 OUT OF THE 12 MONTHS A YEAR. THIS AREA HAS DRASTIC TEMPERATURE CHANGES BOTH SEASONALLY &  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

Would NOT recommend this area for anyone who is seeking warm weather. This area has similar night-time LOW temps as those of The Northeast Cities. Hence, as in those  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

My family and I relocated from N.J. The schools are not what i expected. If your child is mainstream it is O.K. If you have gifted and talented child your child will be  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Pawleys Island


Learn More About Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Overview
Cost of Living
Job Market
Crime
Climate
Economy
Religion
Voting
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.