$100k a year, no longer in Houston
changea dispatch from
santa maria
CA
34.95°N
120.44°W
Santa Maria has its own style of barbecue (tri-tip cooked over red oak with pinquito beans and salsa), which is a legitimate regional tradition that locals will fight you about. The surrounding Santa Maria Valley is becoming serious wine country (especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). It's quieter and more affordable than its central coast neighbors. The Pacific is right there.
in our guides
the verdict
the monthly cost of moving past Houston
A real premium for Santa Maria. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,352/mo
108% more expensive than Houston(vs $1,610/mo)
9.3%
$775/mo more in state tax than Houston
vs 0% in Houston
$4,206/mo
$2,517 less than Houston
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$1059k
240% more expensive than Houston
vs $311k in Houston
441k
vs 7.5M in Houston
field notes, weather & such.
337
pleasant days a year, in santa maria.
Houston only manages 171 of those.
Lighter on events: Houston packs Infinity× more into a month.
59/100
7% higher than Houston
vs 55/100 in Houston
Closest outdoor draw: Channel Islands National Park, 73 mi.
87/100
13% higher than Houston
vs 77/100 in Houston
2
99% fewer than Houston
vs 176 nonstops in Houston
if santa maria appeals, also worth a look:
