Fresno, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Fresno has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Fresno | Santa Maria | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 122 | Fresno |
| Housing | 100 ($927) | 137 ($1,289) | Fresno |
| Transportation | 110 ($3.50) | 107 ($3.50) | Santa Maria |
| Food & groceries | 89 ($365) | 113 ($463) | Fresno |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 119 ($247) | Fresno |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 119 ($178) | Fresno |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno, CA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Fresno, CA is cheaper overall by about 22 index points (Fresno, CA: 100, Santa Maria, CA: 122; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Fresno, CA vs Santa Maria, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Fresno, CA and $42,700/year in Santa Maria, CA to cover basic living costs.