Enviroment factors

Air quality:
1.8
Average air quality index for the past year
Poor air:
42/365
Total amount of days with bad air quality
Water Quality:

Cost of Living in Santa maria, CA

Housing

The housing market plays a significant role in determining the cost of living in Santa maria, CA.

  • Housing Index: 130.0 / 100
  • Median Home Price is: $568000
  • Average Rent (2 BR Apartment): $2500 per month
  • Average Rent (2 BR House): $2557 per month

Looking at the data for Santa maria, CA, the housing index sits significantly above the national average at 130.0. The median home price is steep at 568000, suggesting home ownership may be challenging for many. Renters might find the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment to be $2500 and for a 2-bedroom house at $2557. This indicates a competitive rental market, so thorough budgeting is essential. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to explore local amenities and job opportunities to ensure that the costs align with your lifestyle and income potential.

Utilities

The cost of utilities such as electricity, natural gas, and other services can significantly impact the overall cost of living in Santa maria, CA.

  • Electricity Price: 32.99 USD (median by state)
  • Natural Gas Price: $16.99 USD per Thousand Cubic Feet (median by state)
  • Other Utilities (water, garbage, etc.): $300 per month

Living in Santa maria, CA could entail higher utility costs. Electricity costs sit at 32.99, while natural gas is priced at 16.99 per Thousand Cubic Feet—both aligning with state medians. Expect to budget about 300 monthly for other services like water and garbage. These utility expenses are vital considerations as they directly influence monthly living costs. Comparing these rates to other cities may help ascertain if Bethlehem is a financially viable option for your relocation.

Cost of Living Index

The cost of living index is a widely used metric to determine the relative affordability of cities and towns.

  • Index score: 120.5

Median Income

The median income is an important factor to consider when evaluating the affordability of a city or town.

  • Median Income: $81237

Educational and Social Amenities

Access to quality education, healthcare, and social services can significantly impact the overall quality of life in a city or town.

Summary

When considering a move to Santa maria, CA, consider the following factors:

  • Taxes: State income, property, and local income taxes can significantly impact your take-home pay.
  • Job opportunities: The availability of jobs in your field can affect your quality of life.
  • Cost of living: Housing costs, utilities, transportation, and other expenses should be considered when evaluating the affordability of a city or town.
Pros
  1. Rich agricultural community
  2. Access to outdoor recreation
  3. Family-friendly activities
  4. Friendly and welcoming locals
  5. Diverse cultural events
  6. Close to beautiful beaches
  7. Mild climate year-round
  8. Good local restaurants
  9. Affordable housing options
  10. Growing job market
Cons
  1. Lack of public transportation
  2. Underfunded public schools
  3. Limited job opportunities
  4. Limited nightlife options
  5. Mediocre healthcare facilities
  6. Occasional racial tensions
  7. Seasonal job fluctuations
  8. Traffic congestion issues
  9. Higher crime rate in areas
  10. Some areas have poverty