Cost of Living: Everett, WA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Everett

Washington
137
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Everett and Santa Maria have a similar cost of living.

$1,675/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 10%
$81,502/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 4%
$532,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 10%
$1,738/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 3%
111,083
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Everett, WA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Everett, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $3,115/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Everett is $532,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everett vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Everett 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 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Everett and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Everett is $1,675/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Everett or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $81,502 in Everett and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $3,115/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Everett or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Everett has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,675/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.
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