with $100k coming in, swapping out of Sarasota
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 Sarasota
A real premium for Santa Maria. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,352/mo
58% more expensive than Sarasota(vs $2,121/mo)
9.3%
$775/mo more in state tax than Sarasota
vs 0% in Sarasota
$4,206/mo
$2,006 less than Sarasota
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$1059k
151% more expensive than Sarasota
vs $423k in Sarasota
441k
vs 262k in Sarasota
field notes, weather & such.
337
pleasant days a year, in santa maria.
Sarasota keeps to 249 pleasant days a year.
Lighter on events: Sarasota packs Infinity× more into a month.
59/100
0% lower than Sarasota
vs 59/100 in Sarasota
Closest outdoor draw: Channel Islands National Park, 73 mi.
87/100
9% lower than Sarasota
vs 96/100 in Sarasota
2
67% fewer than Sarasota
vs 6 nonstops in Sarasota
if santa maria appeals, also worth a look:
