Provo, UT vs Santa Maria, CA: 102 vs 137

$1,152/mo ↓ 37%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 60%

$62,800/yr ↓ 26%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 35%

$437,100 ↓ 9%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 9%

$1,220/mo ↓ 32%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 47%

114,303

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Provo, UT and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $21,817/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Provo is $437,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Provo vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Provo or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Provo and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Provo is $1,152/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $690/month.

Which city has higher income, Provo or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $62,800 in Provo and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $21,817/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between Utah and California?

Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Provo or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Provo has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,152/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: Provo, UT vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Provo

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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