Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Los Angeles has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Santa Barbara | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 180 | 268 | Los Angeles |
| Housing | 253 ($1,315) | 421 ($1,611) | Los Angeles |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Santa Barbara |
| Food & groceries | 108 ($443) | 136 ($558) | Los Angeles |
| Utilities | 177 ($455) | 261 ($758) | Los Angeles |
| Healthcare | 177 ($329) | 261 ($547) | Los Angeles |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA or Santa Barbara, CA cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles, CA is cheaper overall by about 88 index points (Los Angeles, CA: 180, Santa Barbara, CA: 268; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $63,000/year in Los Angeles, CA and $93,800/year in Santa Barbara, CA to cover basic living costs.