Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Los Angeles is 36% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,879/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 2%
$80,366/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 5%
$879,500 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 46%
$2,055/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 13%
3,857,897
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,251/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $4,251/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Santa Maria

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