same $100k income, fresh start from Phoenix
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
more expensive each month than Phoenix
A real premium for Santa Maria. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,352/mo
93% more expensive than Phoenix(vs $1,739/mo)
9.3%
$567/mo more in state tax than Phoenix
vs 2.5% in Phoenix
$4,206/mo
$2,180 less than Phoenix
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$1059k
131% more expensive than Phoenix
vs $458k in Phoenix
441k
vs 5.1M in Phoenix
field notes, weather & such.
337
pleasant days a year, in santa maria.
Phoenix only manages 181 of those.
But the calendar thins out: Phoenix stays Infinity× busier.
59/100
11% lower than Phoenix
vs 66/100 in Phoenix
Closest outdoor draw: Channel Islands National Park, 73 mi.
87/100
10% lower than Phoenix
vs 97/100 in Phoenix
2
98% fewer than Phoenix
vs 91 nonstops in Phoenix
if santa maria appeals, also worth a look:
