Santa Cruz, California vs. Santa Barbara, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Barbara, California is 7.1% more expensive than Santa Cruz, California.

You would need a salary of $107,076 in Santa Barbara, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Santa Cruz, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Barbara, California is more expensive than Santa Cruz, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
20% more expensive in Santa Barbara
than in Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, CA vs. Santa Barbara, CA
Compared to Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  7.1% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  2.1% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  27.7% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  3.5% lower
  Commute
  12.2% lower
  Health
  3.7% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  1.9% lower