Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Santa Maria, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 4.8% cheaper than Santa Maria, CA. This translates to saving $360 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Santa Maria, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Maria, CA, you'd need approximately $145,682.854 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Maria, CA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 21.3% cheaper than in Santa Maria, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,723/month in Santa Maria, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Santa Maria, CA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Santa Maria, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $360 per month, or $4317 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Maria, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Maria, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Santa Maria, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $360/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.7K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$360

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Santa Maria, CA

Population:110K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$612K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$414K

Santa Maria, CA

The Golden State

110K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 110K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Maria, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Santa Maria, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,542/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $754less	21.3%
📦Other	$1,467/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $211more	14.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $114less	7.1%
🏥Healthcare	$475/mo	$589/mo	↑ $113more	23.9%
⚡All Utilities	$480/mo	$561/mo	↑ $80.93more	16.9%
🛒Groceries	$895/mo	$963/mo	↑ $67.82more	7.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.3%

Santa Maria, CA

$3,542

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$754

less

📦Other

↑ 14.4%

Santa Maria, CA

$1,467

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$211

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.1%

Santa Maria, CA

$1,602

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$114

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 23.9%

Santa Maria, CA

$475

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$113

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.9%

Santa Maria, CA

$480

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$80.93

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.6%

Santa Maria, CA

$895

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$67.82

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,357

To$1,390

↑ $33.00

1 Bed

From$1,527

To$1,510

↓ $17.00

2 Bed

From$1,723

To$1,750

↑ $27.00

3 Bed

From$2,278

To$2,330

↑ $52.00

Santa Maria, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,420–$2,420/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,462

Monthly in Santa Maria, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$395

Difference

Home Values

Santa Maria

Phoenix

$612K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +39.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$612K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 32% less expensive than Santa Maria

Calculate payment - Santa Maria Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$449

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

Rate difference

Santa Maria, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Santa Maria, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.