Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Irvine is 6% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $70,263 in Irvine.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Irvine scores 108 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Irvine.
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