Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Salt Lake City is 15% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,343/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 37%
$74,925/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 13%
$495,700 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 4%
$1,394/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 28%
203,888
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $9,692/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $9,692/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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