Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
San Jose is 4% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $71,842 in San Jose.
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 Jose has a housing index of 308 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in San Jose costs $1,300,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in San Jose versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Jose scores 110 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in San Jose (112) are higher than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in San Jose is $117,324 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Jose.
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