Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Cambridge is 74% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,742/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 33%
$126,469/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 33%
$1,040,500 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 54%
$2,634/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 32%
117,794
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $41,852/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Cambridge or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $41,852/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Santa Maria

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland 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