Cost of living in Santa Maria
Santa Maria, located in California, is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Santa Maria, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $23 on average, with a range between $16 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $77.5, with prices ranging from $55 to $170.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $11 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $12, imported beer $8 to $13, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.21.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $7.72, with an average price of $3.47.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $7, averaging $3.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.75 and $5, with a monthly pass priced between $88 and $150.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.12 and $1.57 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.1, with a cost of $1.68 to $3.73 per km and $29.19 to $60 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2124 to $2400, averaging $2241.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2000 to $2100, averaging $2050.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3189 to $3400, averaging $3329.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $3200, averaging $3100.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4748.71 to $9677, averaging $7212.86.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4111.81 to $9677, averaging $6894.41.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $350, averaging $165.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $184, with an average cost of $73.82.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Santa Maria offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Santa Maria are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being reasonably priced.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.
Housing in Santa Maria can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre are slightly more affordable.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Conclusion
Santa Maria, CA, presents a balanced cost of living with some areas being more expensive than others.
While dining and housing can be costly, transportation and utilities offer more affordable options.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle and budget preferences when evaluating the cost of living in Santa Maria.