Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
San Francisco and Santa Barbara have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
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 Francisco has a housing index of 327 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in San Francisco costs $1,200,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,400 in San Francisco versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Francisco scores 112 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in San Francisco (113) are higher than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in San Francisco is $119,136 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Amazon affiliate links