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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Riverside is 5% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,812/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 2%
$88,575/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 4%
$542,100 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 12%
$1,880/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 5%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,958/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $3,958/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Santa Maria details →

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