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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Vancouver is 10% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,632/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 13%
$78,156/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 8%
$440,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 9%
$1,607/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 11%
192,696
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $6,461/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Vancouver or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $6,461/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Vancouver or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Santa Maria details →

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