Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

New York is 21% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,779/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 4%
$79,713/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 6%
$751,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 36%
$1,837/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 3%
8,516,202
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $4,904/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making New York slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is New York 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 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Santa Maria?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $4,904/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Santa Maria details →

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