Santa Maria, CA

Very High · 137

California · Population 109,880 · Updated March 2026

$1,842
Median Rent / Month
$84,617
Median Income
$478,200
Median Home Value
$1,789
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Santa Maria

26.1%
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

$22,104
Annual Rent
$11,254
State Income Tax
$3,395
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Santa Maria has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 137 (where 100 equals the national median), Santa Maria residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,842/month while earning a median household income of $84,617/year.

The median home value in Santa Maria, CA is $478,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,789 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.1%, Santa Maria 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 Maria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Santa Maria

What is the cost of living in Santa Maria, CA?
The cost of living index in Santa Maria, CA is 137 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,842, median household income is $84,617/year, and the median home value is $478,200.
Is Santa Maria, CA affordable?
No, Santa Maria is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 137. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Santa Maria, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Maria, CA is $1,842 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,104.
What is the median household income in Santa Maria?
The median household income in Santa Maria, CA is $84,617 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%.

Compare Santa Maria With

Similar-sized cities to compare

Sugar Land, TX
Index: 135 · Pop: 109,735
Greeley, CO
Index: 103 · Pop: 109,421
South Fulton, GA
Index: 103 · Pop: 109,157
Sparks, NV
Index: 126 · Pop: 109,106
Everett, WA
Index: 137 · Pop: 111,083
Miami Gardens, FL
Index: 115 · Pop: 111,264