Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Miami is 33% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $50,132 in Miami.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Miami has a housing index of 172 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Miami costs $450,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $750,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Miami versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Miami scores 108 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Miami (99) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Miami is $44,268 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Miami.
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