Santa Maria, California vs. Santa Cruz, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California is 67.6% more expensive than Santa Maria, California.

You would need a salary of $83,814 in Santa Cruz, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Santa Maria, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Cruz, California is more expensive than Santa Maria, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
124% more expensive in Santa Cruz
than in Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria, CA vs. Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to Santa Maria, Santa Cruz is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  67.6% 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
  8.7% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  137.1% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  1.7% higher
  Commute
  16.1% higher
  Health
  3.5% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  1.8% higher