Cost of Living in Santa Ynez, CA
Population 4,725 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Santa Ynez sits 268% above the national median — $1.1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $117,500 (58% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Santa Ynez is about 30 miles southeast of Santa Maria, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 134% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Ynez
The median home value in Santa Ynez is $1,121,000 — 268% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,740/month, 109% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $117,500/year is 58% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, 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%. Overall, Santa Ynez has a cost of living index of 304 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 204% more expensive.
Santa Ynez has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Ynez, CA?
Santa Ynez has a cost index of 304 (100 = national average). It is 204% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Ynez, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Ynez is $2,740 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Ynez?
The median home value in Santa Ynez is $1,121,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Ynez?
The median household income in Santa Ynez is $117,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Ynez, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Ynez is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Ynez, CA affordable?
Santa Ynez is above average in cost of living, with an index of 304 — about 204% higher than the national average.
Santa Ynez at a Glance
- Population
- 4,725
- Median Income
- $117,500
- Home Value
- $1,121,000
- Median Rent
- $2,740/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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