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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Seattle is 43% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,998/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 8%
$121,984/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 31%
$912,100 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 48%
$2,220/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 19%
741,440
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $37,367/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $37,367/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Santa Maria

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton