with $100k coming in, swapping out of Washington
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 Washington
Santa Maria is the expensive option. The argument has to be entirely about the place, not the price.
a quick ledger.
$3,352/mo
43% more expensive than Washington(vs $2,352/mo)
9.3%
$67/mo more in state tax than Washington
vs 8.5% in Washington
$4,206/mo
$1,067 less than Washington
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$1059k
69% more expensive than Washington
vs $626k in Washington
441k
vs 6.3M in Washington
field notes, weather & such.
337
pleasant days a year, in santa maria.
Washington only logs 177 pleasant days.
100% fewer events than Washington. The pace eases up.
59/100
32% lower than Washington
vs 87/100 in Washington
Closest outdoor draw: Channel Islands National Park, 73 mi.
87/100
11% lower than Washington
vs 98/100 in Washington
2
99% fewer than Washington
vs 160 nonstops in Washington
if santa maria appeals, also worth a look:
