Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
San Diego is 16% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $63,158 in San Diego.
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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Diego.
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