Cost of Living in Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA

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F
93%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
264%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Downtown Santa Barbara California
Cost of living193225141
Groceries111111111
Health care116116116
Housing364470197
Transportation120120118
Utilities124124119
Lifestyle & Entertainment129129120
Household Items111111111
Education & Childcare134134127
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Homes For Sale In Santa Barbara, CA

property for sale

159 Loureyro Rd

Santa Barbara, CA
property for sale

1624 Shoreline Dr

Santa Barbara, CA
property for sale

270 Lee Dr

Santa Barbara, CA
property for sale

3855 Foothill Rd

Santa Barbara, CA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Downtown is 37% higher than the Santa Barbara average
  • The cost of living in Downtown is 93% higher than the national average
  • Downtown housing is 264% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Downtown

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Compare Santa Barbara, CA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Household$107,860$8,988$2,517$3,236

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Isla Vista, CA16,12413231.8%
      Carpinteria, CA13,72618483.7%
      Goleta, CA33,19419292.2%
      Mission Canyon, CA2,752246145.5%
      Montecito, CA8,465340239.9%
      Santa Barbara, CA94,185225124.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tracy, CA94,21015554.6%
      Victoria, BC94,229n/a 
      Carson, CA94,35215453.9%
      Deltona, FL93,9681044.0%
      Westminster, CA93,92017170.8%
      Santa Barbara, CA94,185225124.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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