Are you considering a move to Santa Barbara, California, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Santa Barbara, California is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Santa Barbara, California and help you understand whether $5446 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $6167.38.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
23.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
100.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
11.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
6.25 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
9.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
5.79 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.75 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.18 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
4.41 $ |
|
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
15.43 $ |
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|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
5.0 $ |
|
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
24.25 $ |
|
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
25.3 $ |
|
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
22.6 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
9.53 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.88 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
7.37 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
5.97 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
9.04 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
8.08 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
5.0 $ |
|
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
3.67 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
14.99 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
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|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.08 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
11.97 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
52.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
6.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.11 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
34.0 $ |
|
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Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.34 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
30000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
30537.25 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
171.2 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
96.49 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
25.0 $ |
|
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
14.25 $ |
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
15.0 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1675.0 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
43750.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
68.75 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
43.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
104.17 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
162.5 $ |
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|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
2790.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
2400.0 $ |
|
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
6300.0 $ |
|
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
4850.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
15512.16 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
8733.09 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
6167.38 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.7 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Santa Barbara, California come to a total of approximately $5446. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2790 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $219 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1697 per month.
Living in Santa Barbara, California appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $6167.38. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Santa Barbara, California, you would likely need an income exceeding $6167.38.
In Santa Barbara, California, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $6167.38, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Santa Barbara, California is approximately $2790. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $2400.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Santa Barbara, California can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1401 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a medium overall risk in Santa Barbara. Crime statistics from 2020 show burglary and theft are higher than the national average, while homicides, robberies, and aggravated assault are lower, according to reports from the Santa Barbara Police Department.
There's a low risk of transportation in this area as it's encouraged for everyone to ditch the car and use the various methods of public transportation. The central part of the city was designed to be walkable. There are pedicabs available as well. There's a downtown waterfront electric shuttle that goes to some of the major attractions. Even some of the nearby wineries offer a shuttle service, so you don't need to drive. We're not saying "Don't rent a car", we're just letting you know it might not be necessary.
There's a one in 256 chance of being a victim of theft in Santa Barbara. We've seen cities with much higher theft rates. We're going to call it a low risk but keep your guard up. With more public transportation, there are more eyes looking at your purse or bags, so don't give crooks a crime of opportunity.
Even Conde Nast in its puff piece about Santa Barbara mentioned the natural disaster risk, saying, "Santa Barbara is the Madonna of small-town reinvention, rebuilding itself after wildfires, mudslides, and the pandemic." In a city with such beautiful weather, it's hard to imagine the tragedies that can happen here went wicked weather hits. Wildfires can lead to evacuations and the resulting gutted land is prime for mudslides when it rains. Santa Barbara is also impacted by the notorious Santa Ana winds. I begrudgingly give it a medium risk just because of the potential destruction. The average day is quite stunning, however.
There's just a one in 5300 chance of getting mugged according to 2020 FBI data, so we'll call it a low risk.
No terrorism concerns here. The worst acts of disaster come from mother nature. There's a low terror risk here.
It was disappointing to research this topic, as there are a lot of scams that happen in this area. We'll call it a medium risk. Now, most of the scams prey on the locals via phone or email, but there are some rental scams. If you are renting a home or room in this area, be sure the provider is licensed to rent (ask for proof) and never wire cash ahead of time.
In this beautiful, walkable community, women have a low risk of being a victim of a crime. However, it's worth noting that you shouldn't walk around at night in dark areas or drink too much of that amazing wine that will dull your sense of safety.
The annual report for the city of Santa Barbara shows it meets or exceeds all safety standards in tap water, and even tests and removes the COVID-19 virus. This is a very low risk.
All Visa requirements will be handled at the airport or port of entry. There's no additional ID needed to get into Santa Barbara. If you are indulging in the vast array of local wines, bring a legal ID that shows you are at least 21 years old.
The U.S. Dollar is the currency in California and Santa Barbara. Again, we encourage you to use a credit card instead of a debit card in the event of identity theft or a lost card. Don't carry a lot of cash with you.
The highs in Santa Barbara range from 65°(F) to 76°(F) throughout the year with lows in the 40s and 50s. You'll want a jacket with you for those chilly evenings. Rain is pretty much non-existent in this area from May through October, and the wettest month is February with more than 4.5" of rain. You'll never see snow here.
Santa Barbara does have an airport, but it's not that big. A big "get" was when Southwest Airlines started flying into SBA. Many people chose to fly into Los Angeles International Airport, which is about 2.5 hours away (assuming traffic is flowing normally). Central Coastal Shuttle offers rides to LAX every four hours.
That dry weather in the summer makes for great beach days, but also means wildfire risk is high. You'll want travel insurance just in case a wildfire causes roads and power to be shut down.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 64°F | 65°F | 66°F | 68°F | 70°F | 73°F | 76°F | 77°F | 76°F | 73°F | 69°F | 64°F |
| Temp | 52°F | 54°F | 56°F | 58°F | 61°F | 64°F | 67°F | 67°F | 66°F | 63°F | 57°F | 52°F |
| Low | 43°F | 45°F | 47°F | 50°F | 53°F | 56°F | 59°F | 59°F | 58°F | 53°F | 47°F | 43°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17°C | 18°C | 18°C | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C | 25°C | 24°C | 22°C | 20°C | 17°C |
| Temp | 11°C | 12°C | 13°C | 14°C | 16°C | 17°C | 19°C | 19°C | 18°C | 17°C | 13°C | 11°C |
| Low | 6°C | 7°C | 8°C | 10°C | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C | 15°C | 14°C | 11°C | 8°C | 6°C |