Cost of Living in Santa Barbara, CA
Population 88,024 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $1.5 million, the typical home in Santa Barbara costs about 5× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.
Santa Barbara is about 30 miles west of San Buenaventura (Ventura), the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 88% higher than San Buenaventura (Ventura)'s $779,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Barbara
The median home value in Santa Barbara is $1,466,400 — 381% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,302/month, 75% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,672/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 69.2°F and lows of 49.4°F. Overall, Santa Barbara has a cost of living index of 359 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 259% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 64 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 73 | 75 | 74 | 73 | 69 | 64 |
| Low °F | 41 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 51 | 55 | 58 | 58 | 56 | 51 | 44 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.84 | 3.86 | 3.10 | 0.91 | 0.42 | 0.11 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.73 | 1.27 | 2.91 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Barbara, CA?
Santa Barbara has a cost index of 359 (100 = national average). It is 259% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Barbara, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Barbara is $2,302 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Barbara?
The median home value in Santa Barbara is $1,466,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Santa Barbara is $101,672 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Barbara, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Barbara is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Barbara, CA affordable?
Santa Barbara is above average in cost of living, with an index of 359 — about 259% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara has average high temperatures of 69.2°F and average lows of 49.4°F. Annual precipitation is 17.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Santa Barbara at a Glance
- Population
- 88,024
- Median Income
- $101,672
- Home Value
- $1,466,400
- Median Rent
- $2,302/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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