Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Boston is 15% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $63,947 in Boston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $580,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boston.
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