Santa Barbara, CA, US
American Riviera with Spanish colonial architecture, wine country, and stunning coastline.
Overview
Santa Barbara is a city in CA with a population of 92,000. American Riviera with Spanish colonial architecture, wine country, and stunning coastline. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Santa Barbara vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $78,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 92,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 280/year
- Summer High: 75°F
- Winter Low: 45°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: $1,300,000
- 1BR Rent: $2400/mo
Cost of Living
Santa Barbara's cost of living index is 180 (US average = 100).
| Category | Santa Barbara | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 180 | 100 | +80.0% |
| Housing | 230 | 100 | +130.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,300,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $3,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $866 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santa Barbara:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $243 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $45 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $95 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $488 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Santa Barbara scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Santa Barbara has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 45°F | 2.5" |
| April | 60°F | 60°F | 2.8" |
| July | 75°F | 50°F | 1.5" |
| October | 55°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Santa Barbara faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent and severe wildfire seasons.
Located on the San Andreas Fault system with frequent seismic activity.
Extreme summer heat in inland and desert regions.
Frequent and severe drought conditions.
Coastal and mountainous regions with frequent landslides.
Sierra Nevada with frequent avalanches.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Dust storms in desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.75% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Santa Barbara is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Barbara, CA, US?
The cost of living index in Santa Barbara is 180, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Santa Barbara?
The median home price in Santa Barbara is $1,300,000. The housing index is 230.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara is approximately $2400/mo.
Does Santa Barbara, CA have income tax?
Santa Barbara is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 8%.
What is the climate like in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 75°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.