Did the Cost of Living in Santa Barbara, CA increase in 2024? Santa Barbara, CA area prices were up 2.5% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Santa Barbara, California Santa Barbara (Spanish: Santa Bárbara) is the county seat of Santa Barbara County in the U.S. state of California. Situated on a south-facing section ....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while California's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $16 per hour in 2024.
Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels.
View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting
Minimum Wage Values in Santa Barbara, CA
Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%.
Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%,
that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.
About Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara (Spanish: Santa Bárbara) is the county seat of Santa Barbara County in the U.S. state of California. Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara's climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been promoted as the "American Riviera". As of 2014, the city had an estimated population of 91,196, up from 88,410 in 2010, making it the second most populous city in the county after Santa Maria. The contig...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the Cost of Living in Santa Barbara, CA
What are the cheapest grocery stores?
Some stores like Smith's offer frequent discounts or loyalty programs that can save you even more at the checkout. Since groceries are an essential part of you cost of living, take advantage of discounts whenever you can. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Santa Barbara, CA?
Santa Barbara, 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. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in Santa Barbara, CA?
The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Are there any tips that will help make the move to Santa Barbara, California easier for my child?
Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Electricity bills are a big part of my current cost of living and can be really high, what is the cost of electricity in Santa Barbara, California?
The current electric rate cost in Santa Barbara,CA is 19.39¢ / kWh, which is the fifth highest compared to the rest of the United States. Energy costs in Santa Barbara,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. (2024-10-25salary.com)
My kids are important, how much of my cost of living should I estimate I will need to spend on child care in Santa Barbara, CA?
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 Barbara 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. (2024-10-25salary.com)
How do rental housing prices in Santa Barbara,California impact the overall cost of living?
I am single and live in Santa Barbara,CA, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $2167 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Santa Barbara,CA, I try to economize by having a small apartment. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Are there fun things to in Santa Barbara, California that are free or don’t cost a lot?
Looks for areas of Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara, CA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Does Santa Barbara, California have high income or sales taxes that will make the cost of living in Santa Barbara higher?
Santa Barbara, has one of the highest state income tax rates. This could potentially reduce your disposable income and could increase your overall cost of living. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Does Santa Barbara, California have a good climate?
The weather in Santa Barbara is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Santa Barbara 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 Barbara, California. (2024-10-25salary.com)
What is the cost of public transit in Santa Barbara, California?
Public transit in Santa Barbara, CA will cost you around $52.00 per month. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Can you save money using public transport?
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. (2024-10-25salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.