Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Maria has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Santa Maria | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 180 | 122 | Santa Maria |
| Housing | 253 ($1,315) | 137 ($1,289) | Santa Maria |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 107 ($3.50) | Santa Maria |
| Food & groceries | 108 ($443) | 113 ($463) | Los Angeles |
| Utilities | 177 ($455) | 119 ($247) | Santa Maria |
| Healthcare | 177 ($329) | 119 ($178) | Santa Maria |
| 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 Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Maria, CA is cheaper overall by about 58 index points (Los Angeles, CA: 180, Santa Maria, CA: 122; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Maria, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $63,000/year in Los Angeles, CA and $42,700/year in Santa Maria, CA to cover basic living costs.