Cost of Living: Bridgeport, CT vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Bridgeport is 31% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,405/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 31%
$56,584/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 50%
$252,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 89%
$1,475/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 21%
148,012
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bridgeport, CT and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 94 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $28,033/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bridgeport is $252,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridgeport vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Bridgeport or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bridgeport and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Bridgeport or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $56,584 in Bridgeport and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $28,033/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bridgeport or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with median rent of $1,405/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bridgeport details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bridgeport and Santa Maria

Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton