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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

San Jose is 85% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,617/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 30%
$141,565/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 40%
$1,187,800 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 60%
$2,775/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 36%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $775/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $9,300/year.

Median household income is $56,948/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Santa Maria?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $775/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $56,948/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Santa Maria details →

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