Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
Springfield is 44% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $42,237 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Santa Barbara has a housing index of 340 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Barbara costs $1,200,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $970,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Santa Barbara versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Santa Barbara scores 112 while Springfield scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Santa Barbara (110) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Santa Barbara is $70,819 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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