Ontario, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: 152 vs 137

$1,916/mo ↑ 4%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↓ 4%

$82,806/yr ↓ 2%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 2%

$568,000 ↑ 19%

Home Value

$478,200 ↓ 16%

$1,967/mo ↑ 10%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↓ 9%

178,347

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $1,811/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Ontario 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 152 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Ontario and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $74/month.

Which city has higher income, Ontario or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $1,811/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 Ontario or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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: Ontario, CA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Ontario

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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