Cost of Living in Upper State, Santa Barbara, CA

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F
101%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
292%
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 Upper State Santa Barbara California
Cost of living201225141
Groceries111111111
Health care116116116
Housing392470197
Transportation120120118
Utilities124124119
Lifestyle & Entertainment129129120
Household Items111111111
Education & Childcare134134127
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Homes For Sale In Santa Barbara, CA

property for sale

965 W Mountain Dr

Santa Barbara, CA
property for sale

2924 San Marcos Pass Rd

Santa Barbara, CA
property for sale

2 N San Marcos Rd

Santa Barbara, CA
property for sale

1125 San Andres St

Santa Barbara, CA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Upper State is 43% higher than the Santa Barbara average
  • The cost of living in Upper State is 101% higher than the national average
  • Upper State housing is 292% 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 Upper State

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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$129,051$10,754$3,011$3,872

      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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