2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Santa Maria, CA vs Rio Rancho, NM

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Rio Rancho or is it cheaper to live in Santa Maria?
- Rio Rancho is 38.7% less expensive than Santa Maria.

Which city has more affordable housing, Rio Rancho or Santa Maria?
- Rio Rancho housing costs are 48.2% less expensive than Santa Maria housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Santa Maria or is Health Care more affordable in Rio Rancho.
- Health related expenses are 29.2% less in Rio Rancho.
 Santa Maria, CARio Rancho, NMUnited States
 Overall  Unlock94.9100
 Food & Groceries102.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock80.1100
 Housing168.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$310,800$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock99.7100
 Miscellaneous142.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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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Reviews for Rio Rancho    21 Reviews

I have lived in the area for the past three years with my husband. Although vastly better than Albuquerque, this is not a safe area. We have had overt and petty crime on  More

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The pros: -Fairly good year-round weather. Sunny days outnumber cloudy days, there are days when the temps fall below freezing and the sun will still be shining. It's  More

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Over 5 years ago

Affordable housing, low crime (compared to Albuquerque), awesome weather with all 4 seasons, beautiful environment and some pretty awesome people. I love Rio Rancho,  More

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