Santa Cruz, California vs. Santa Monica, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Monica, California is 33.6% more expensive than Santa Cruz, California.

You would need a salary of $100,210 in Santa Monica, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Santa Cruz, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Monica, California is more expensive than Santa Cruz, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
30% more expensive in Santa Monica
than in Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, CA vs. Santa Monica, CA
Compared to Santa Cruz, Santa Monica is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  33.6% 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
  0.1% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  86.8% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  13.6% lower
  Commute
  40.1% higher
  Health
  17.4% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  0.6% lower