Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Boulder is 22% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $58,421 in Boulder.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boulder scores 107 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boulder.
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