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

Roseville

California
168
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Roseville is 23% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,099/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 12%
$117,354/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 28%
$630,600 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 24%
$2,226/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 20%
152,438
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

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Roseville, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $32,737/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Roseville is $630,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Roseville vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Roseville 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 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Roseville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Roseville is $2,099/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Roseville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $117,354 in Roseville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $32,737/year higher in Roseville.
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 Roseville or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Roseville has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,099/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 Roseville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Roseville and Santa Maria

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