on $100k a year, leaving Santa Rosa
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 premium over Santa Rosa
Santa Maria runs a little pricier than Santa Rosa. The case has to be about something other than rent.
a quick ledger.
$3,352/mo
29% more expensive than Santa Rosa(vs $2,597/mo)
9.3%
vs 9.3% in Santa Rosa
$4,206/mo
$755 less than Santa Rosa
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$1059k
30% more expensive than Santa Rosa
vs $817k in Santa Rosa
441k
vs 482k in Santa Rosa
field notes, weather & such.
337
pleasant days a year, in santa maria.
Santa Rosa barely cracks 254 pleasant ones.
100% fewer events than Santa Rosa. The pace eases up.
59/100
14% lower than Santa Rosa
vs 69/100 in Santa Rosa
Closest outdoor draw: Channel Islands National Park, 73 mi.
87/100
11% lower than Santa Rosa
vs 98/100 in Santa Rosa
2
50% fewer than Santa Rosa
vs 4 nonstops in Santa Rosa
if santa maria appeals, also worth a look:
