Raleigh, NC vs Santa Maria, CA: 110 vs 137

$1,468/mo ↓ 20%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 25%

$82,424/yr ↓ 3%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 3%

$377,800 ↓ 21%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 27%

$1,487/mo ↓ 17%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 20%

470,763

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $2,193/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Raleigh or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $374/month.

Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $2,193/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?

North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Raleigh or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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: Raleigh, NC vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Raleigh

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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