Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Santa Barbara is 19% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $60,638 in Santa Barbara.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Manhattan scores 115 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are higher than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Santa Barbara.
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