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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Santa Clarita is 44% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,486/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 26%
$119,926/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 29%
$721,000 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 34%
$2,649/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 32%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $35,309/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $35,309/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Santa Maria

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