University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

Above Avg · 120

California · Population 11,634 · Updated March 2026

$1,512
Median Rent / Month
$75,000
Median Income
$452,600
Median Home Value
$1,547
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in University of California-Santa Barbara

24.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$18,144
Annual Rent
$9,975
State Income Tax
$3,213
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

University of California-Santa Barbara has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 120 (where 100 equals the national median), University of California-Santa Barbara residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,512/month while earning a median household income of $75,000/year.

The median home value in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is $452,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,547 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.2% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 University of California-Santa Barbara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in University of California-Santa Barbara

What is the cost of living in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
The cost of living index in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is 120 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,512, median household income is $75,000/year, and the median home value is $452,600.
Is University of California-Santa Barbara, CA affordable?
No, University of California-Santa Barbara is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 120. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median gross rent in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is $1,512 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $18,144.
What is the median household income in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA is $75,000 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%.