same $100k income, fresh start from Reno
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 Reno
A real premium for Santa Maria. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,352/mo
76% more expensive than Reno(vs $1,908/mo)
9.3%
$775/mo more in state tax than Reno
vs 0% in Reno
$4,206/mo
$2,219 less than Reno
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$1059k
84% more expensive than Reno
vs $574k in Reno
441k
vs 565k in Reno
field notes, weather & such.
337
pleasant days a year, in santa maria.
Reno only manages 201 of those.
100% fewer events than Reno. The pace eases up.
59/100
17% lower than Reno
vs 71/100 in Reno
Closest outdoor draw: Channel Islands National Park, 73 mi.
87/100
8% lower than Reno
vs 95/100 in Reno
2
85% fewer than Reno
vs 13 nonstops in Reno
cities that play in santa maria's register:
