2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Santa Maria, CA vs San Diego, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Diego or is it cheaper to live in Santa Maria?
- San Diego is 0.1% more expensive than Santa Maria.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Diego or Santa Maria?
- San Diego housing costs are 65.5% more expensive than Santa Maria housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Santa Maria or is Health Care more affordable in San Diego.
- Health related expenses are 21.4% less in San Diego.
 Santa Maria, CASan Diego, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries102.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing168.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$833,500$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock120.2100
 Miscellaneous142.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

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I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

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The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

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Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

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The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

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I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  More

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