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

Santa Maria

California
137
VS

Greeley

Colorado
103

Santa Maria is 33% more expensive than Greeley.

$1,842/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 28%
$84,617/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$68,650/yr ↓ 19%
$478,200 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$369,600 ↓ 23%
$1,789/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,387/mo ↓ 22%
109,880
Population
109,421

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and Greeley, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Greeley, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $15,967/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 compared to $369,600 in Greeley.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Greeley slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria vs Greeley — common questions

Is Santa Maria or Greeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greeley is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Maria and Greeley?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in Greeley it's $1,333/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or Greeley?
Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $68,650 in Greeley. Median household income is $15,967/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Maria or Greeley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/mo, while Greeley has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Maria details → View Greeley details →

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