Cost of Living: West Valley City, UT vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

West Valley City

Utah
109
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

West Valley City is 20% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,445/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 27%
$88,604/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 4%
$377,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 27%
$1,473/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 21%
137,955
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Valley City, UT and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $3,987/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Valley City is $377,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Valley City vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is West Valley City or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Valley City and Santa Maria?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,445/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, West Valley City or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $88,604 in West Valley City and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $3,987/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to West Valley City or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,445/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 West Valley City details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for West Valley City and Santa Maria

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