2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Santa Monica, CA vs Ithaca, NY

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ithaca or is it cheaper to live in Santa Monica?
- Ithaca is 42.1% less expensive than Santa Monica.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ithaca or Santa Monica?
- Ithaca housing costs are 83.8% less expensive than Santa Monica housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Santa Monica or is Health Care more affordable in Ithaca.
- Health related expenses are 28.9% more in Ithaca.
 Santa Monica, CAIthaca, NYUnited States
 Overall  Unlock93.6100
 Food & Groceries111.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock116.3100
 Housing622.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$332,800$338,100
 Utilities81  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock80.8100
 Miscellaneous133.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews

I moved here to Santa Monica over 10 years ago from Oklahoma City. I was surprised to see that Oklahoma City was ranked higher than Santa Monica on best places. I  More

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I've lived in Santa Monica for over 30 years. It's a Mediterranean climate--sunny and temperate when the rest of the country is under snow! I am walking distance to  More

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I have lived in this city for 4 decades, and it is never been worse than it is now. It is a dangerous disgusting hell hole. Between the crime, the homeless that are not  More

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Reviews for Ithaca    32 Reviews

BILL · 

For a small city, its downtown has grown significantly and serves as the hub of the community. The Ithaca Commons remains the central gathering space for locals,  More

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Over 4 years ago

Great place to live. Lots to do, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. Don't fear the winter--it's even beautiful then. Only complaint is the housing market. Way  More

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I was born, raised, educated there (Ithaca High and Cornell). In my opinion, before leaving to pursue my career, it seemed like the most beautiful, clean, low crime,  More

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