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

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Yonkers is 3% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,730/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 6%
$81,816/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 3%
$478,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$478,200 ≈ Same
$1,759/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 2%
209,529
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Yonkers, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $2,801/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Yonkers slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Yonkers or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Yonkers is cheaper to live in with an index of 133 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $2,801/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Yonkers and Santa Maria

Yonkers vs. Fayetteville Yonkers vs. Cape Coral Yonkers vs. Rochester Yonkers vs. Worcester Yonkers vs. Frisco Yonkers vs. Columbus 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