Santa Barbara, CA

Very High · 269

California · Population 88,024 · Updated March 2026

$2,302
Median Rent / Month
$101,672
Median Income
$1,466,400
Median Home Value
$2,367
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Santa Barbara

27.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$27,624
Annual Rent
$13,522
State Income Tax
$10,411
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Santa Barbara has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 269 (where 100 equals the national median), Santa Barbara residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,302/month while earning a median household income of $101,672/year.

The median home value in Santa Barbara, CA is $1,466,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,367 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.2%, Santa Barbara falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Santa Barbara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Santa Barbara

What is the cost of living in Santa Barbara, CA?
The cost of living index in Santa Barbara, CA is 269 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,302, median household income is $101,672/year, and the median home value is $1,466,400.
Is Santa Barbara, CA affordable?
No, Santa Barbara is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 269. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,302 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $27,624.
What is the median household income in Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Santa Barbara, CA is $101,672 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.