Cost of Living in Santa Maria, CA
Population 109,880 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Santa Maria lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $478,000 — 57% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in California. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Maria
The median home value in Santa Maria is $478,200 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,842/month, 40% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,617/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, above 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 69.6°F and lows of 47.6°F. Overall, Santa Maria has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% 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 | 65 | 65 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 64 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 49 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 54 | 50 | 44 | 40 |
| Precip" | 2.74 | 2.85 | 2.56 | 0.93 | 0.36 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.54 | 1.12 | 2.05 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Maria, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Maria is $1,842 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Maria?
The median home value in Santa Maria is $478,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Maria?
The median household income in Santa Maria is $84,617 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Maria, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Maria is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Maria, CA affordable?
Santa Maria is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria has average high temperatures of 69.6°F and average lows of 47.6°F. Annual precipitation is 13.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Santa Maria at a Glance
- Population
- 109,880
- Median Income
- $84,617
- Home Value
- $478,200
- Median Rent
- $1,842/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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