Cleveland, OH vs Santa Maria, CA: 51 vs 137

$894/mo ↓ 51%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 106%

$39,187/yr ↓ 54%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 116%

$94,100 ↓ 80%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 408%

$866/mo ↓ 52%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 107%

367,523

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $45,430/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Cleveland or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $948/month.

Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $45,430/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?

Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Cleveland or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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.

Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Cleveland

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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