01 · the cities
Santa Maria
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.
full dispatch→Chattanooga
Chattanooga became the first city in the country to roll out gigabit fiber internet to every home (2010, via the municipal utility), which jump-started a tech and remote-work scene. Lookout Mountain rises right above town, with Ruby Falls' underground waterfall and Rock City's epic views. The Tennessee Riverwalk is gorgeous. The Choo Choo (old terminal turned hotel) is a fun stay.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$3,352/mo
$1,524/mo
$1,828/mo less than Santa Maria (120%)
Median home price
Median home price
$1.1M
$322k
$737k less than Santa Maria
State income tax
State income tax
9.3%
0%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$4,206/mo
$6,809/mo
Chattanooga has $2,603/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
337 days
167 days
170 fewer than Santa Maria
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
0 days
16 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
0 days
5 days
days below 20°F per year
Chattanooga has 16 more days above 95°F each year than Santa Maria. Chattanooga drops below 20°F on 5 more days per year than Santa Maria.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
59 / 100
69 / 100
10.0 pts ahead of Santa Maria
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
2 routes
8 routes
6 more direct routes than Santa Maria
Metro size
Metro size
441k metro
580k metro
the verdict
3
Santa Maria
categories won
6
Chattanooga
categories won
Chattanooga wins on money and lifestyle. Santa Maria has the edge on weather.
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