2025 Compare Cities Education:
West Des Moines, IA vs Santa Maria, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
- Santa Maria spends 16.9% more per student than West Des Moines.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 35.3% higher in Santa Maria than in West Des Moines. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Santa Maria had 35.6% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to West Des Moines
 West Des Moines, IASanta Maria, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,705$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$11,894  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,862$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.53  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock123874573
 Students per Counselor362  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock27.8%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.1%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock62.2%88.9%
 Some College Educ.17.1%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock7.2%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.53.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock2.8%9.3%
 Professional Degree4.1%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.3%1.5%
Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

   |    Reply

We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of West Des Moines

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


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.