Cost of Living: Rancho Cucamonga, CA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Rancho Cucamonga is 33% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,286/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 19%
$109,511/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 23%
$694,400 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 31%
$2,324/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 23%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $24,894/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga 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 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $24,894/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rancho Cucamonga and Santa Maria

Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton