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Last updated: Feb 2026

CA Hub

Santa Barbara

Last updated: Feb 2026
Data Methodology

Santa Barbara is a small city in CA with a population of 91,852 residents. With a median home price of $875,258 (150% above the national median) and median household income of $82,922, Santa Barbara is considered very expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 10.6x.

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Home Price
$875,258
Population
91,852
Nearby Cities
Santa Barbara
Housing

Housing & Real Estate

The real estate market in Santa Barbara features a median home price of $875,258, which is 150% higher than the U.S. national median of $350,000. Monthly rent averages $3,647, 143% above the national average.

Median Home Price$875,258
Monthly Rent$3,647
Annual Housing Cost$14,527

Demographics

Santa Barbara has a diverse population that represents a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and household types contributing to the city's vibrant community.

Population91,852
Median Age37.8 years
Household Size2.51
US Size Rank#374
Economy

Economy & Income

Santa Barbara offers a median household income of $82,922, which is 18% higher than the national median of $70,000. Residents spend approximately 53% of their income on rent annually, which may pose affordability challenges for some households.

Median Income$82,922
Unemployment Rate6.9%
Price to Income Ratio10.6x
Monthly Rent / Income53%

Safety & Quality of Life

481
Violent Crime per 100k
2165
Property Crime per 100k
2647
Total Crime per 100k

Climate & Weather

Understanding the climate of Santa Barbara is important for those considering relocating. Weather patterns affect daily life, activities, and overall comfort.

RegionCA
Climate TypeWarm
Climate data helps residents prepare for seasonal changes and plan their lifestyle accordingly. Consider visiting Santa Barbara during different seasons to experience the weather firsthand.
Climate

Popular Comparisons from Santa Barbara

See how Santa Barbara compares to other popular destinations. Compare cost of living, housing prices, and quality of life.

Santa Barbara vs New YorkNY
Santa Barbara vs Los AngelesCA
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Santa Barbara vs San FranciscoCA
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Santa Barbara vs BostonMA

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara

What is the cost of living in Santa Barbara, CA?

The median home price in Santa Barbara is $875,258, with average monthly rent of $3,647. The median household income is $82,922, giving the city a price-to-income ratio of 10.6x.

Is Santa Barbara affordable?

Santa Barbara is considered expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 10.6x, above the national average of 5x.

What is the population of Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a population of 91,852 residents, making it the #374 largest city in the United States.

How safe is Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a violent crime rate of 481 per 100,000 residents, which is near the national average. The property crime rate is 2165 per 100,000 residents.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform that helps you compare cities across the United States. We provide data on housing prices, rent, income, crime rates, demographics, and climate to help you make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

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