Cost of Living Comparison between Portsmouth, NH vs Santa Cruz, CA

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Kroger to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce for low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Santa Cruz, CA. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Santa Cruz, CA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Santa Cruz, CA. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

The current electric rate cost in Santa Cruz,CA is 19.39¢ / kWh, which is the fifth highest compared to the rest of the United States. Energy costs in Santa Cruz,CA are generally going up. The cost of electricity can have a bigger than average impact of your overall cost of living if you are required to pay heating or cooling costs or, if you use an electric stove, clothes dryer, or water heater. Newer appliances are typically more energy efficient so try to replace out dated appliances with more energy efficient models. Also keep in mind, that if electric utilities are included in your rent, most likely the pricing of electricity has been added to the rent amount. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Santa Cruz child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $11817 per year. California, is ranked NO. 11 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

In Santa Cruz,CA, my friend pays $3000 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Looks for areas of Santa Cruz, California where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Santa Cruz, CA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Good question. Based on Individual income taxes (which you will pay on earnings), Sales taxes (pay for your purchases), property taxes (on your home or indirectly on your rent), unemployment insurance taxes (from your income), and general business taxes (impacting employers ability to offer jobs and good pay), in Santa Cruz, the overall tax climate compared to the rest of the country is the second highest. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

The weather in Santa Cruz is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Santa Cruz is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Santa Cruz, California. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )