Santa Cruz, CA vs Santa Maria, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Maria, CA is more affordable by 1.1 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Santa Cruz, CA | Santa Maria, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 109.9 | 108.8 | +1.1 |
| Housing | 164.3 | 151.4 | +12.9 |
| Goods | 105.2 | 105.2 | 0.0 |
| Utilities | 152.7 | 149.8 | +2.9 |
| Other Services | 100.3 | 100.3 | 0.0 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Santa Cruz, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $104,409 | $92,332 |
| Median Home Value | $951,300 | $714,800 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $2,094 | $1,964 |
| Per Capita Income | $52,887 | $44,635 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Cruz, CA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Maria, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 1.1 index points (Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9, Santa Maria, CA: 108.8).
Where is housing cheaper, Santa Cruz, CA or Santa Maria, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Santa Maria, CA. Housing index: Santa Cruz, CA (164.3) vs Santa Maria, CA (151.4).