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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Sacramento is 4% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,694/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 9%
$83,753/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 1%
$484,600 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 1%
$1,752/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 2%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $864/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Sacramento or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $864/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Sacramento or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Santa Maria details →

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