CostByCity

Salinas, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Salinas, CA is more affordable by 0.9 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategorySalinas, CASanta Cruz, CADifference
Overall109.0109.9-0.9
Housing145.7164.3-18.7
Goods105.2105.20.0
Utilities154.2152.7+1.4
Other Services100.3100.30.0

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricSalinas, CASanta Cruz, CA
Median Household Income$91,043$104,409
Median Home Value$683,700$951,300
Median Monthly Rent$1,873$2,094
Per Capita Income$37,741$52,887

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salinas, CA or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Salinas, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 0.9 index points (Salinas, CA: 109.0, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Salinas, CA or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Salinas, CA. Housing index: Salinas, CA (145.7) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).