Cost of Living in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA
Population 11,634 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
University of California-Santa Barbara sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 14.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, University of California-Santa Barbara is about 35 miles west of San Buenaventura (Ventura), the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than San Buenaventura (Ventura)'s $779,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in University of California-Santa Barbara
The median home value in University of California-Santa Barbara is $452,600 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,512/month, 15% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,000/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.5%, 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 69.2°F and lows of 49.4°F. Overall, University of California-Santa Barbara has a cost of living index of 135 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
University of California-Santa Barbara has a cost index of 135 (100 = national average). It is 35% above the national average.
What is average rent in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median gross rent in University of California-Santa Barbara is $1,512 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The median home value in University of California-Santa Barbara is $452,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in University of California-Santa Barbara is $75,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in University of California-Santa Barbara is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is University of California-Santa Barbara, CA affordable?
University of California-Santa Barbara is above average in cost of living, with an index of 135 — about 35% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-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.
University of California-Santa Barbara at a Glance
- Population
- 11,634
- Median Income
- $75,000
- Home Value
- $452,600
- Median Rent
- $1,512/mo
- Unemployment
- 14.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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