Cost of Living in Santa Barbara, CA, United States

RESTAURANTS

Eating out isn’t too expensive, especially compared to, for instance, San Jose or Fresno.

Plus, there are a few places that offer happy hours.

You can find all kinds of good cuisines and food places here.

Usually, people that are not well off do not eat in fancy restaurants, since a meal in an inexpensive restaurant here will cost you around 28$.

MARKETS

Food/groceries are less expensive than eating out, especially if you buy a lot of fresh produce.

There are farmers’ markets all over the place, and while they are not always a bargain, sometimes they are.

Then there’s Trader Joe’s, which is a great deal for almost everything: wine, nuts, cheese, milk, butter, all dairy, frozen foods, pasta, packaged foods, etc.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxes are a major issue since California has one of the highest state taxes in the nation, exceeded only by New York.

Almost everything else is also more costly, such as gas, food, entertainment, and even parking fines.

Public transport isn’t too pricey, with a one-way ticket costing less than 2$, and a monthly pass is around 62$.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Utilities vary but you can calculate a rough 195$ per month which includes paying for trash, water, and sewer.

There are other costs such as apartment insurance and others.

Still, don’t forget that the price of utilities does depend on the amount of electricity you use and on the size of your apartment.

Internet service starts somewhere around 96$ a month.

SPORTS & LEISURE

Practicing sports or going to the gym in Santa Barbara is rather expensive.

A gym or a fitness club membership will cost you around 63$.

A cinema ticket will cost you a whopping 14.5$ per seat, but there are all kinds of entertainment sources in the city, most of which are free.

In the summer, there are free movies in the park.

CLOTHING & SHOES

Santa Barbara is a shopping paradise and is known for its shopping opportunities.

State Street alone offers everything from trendy boutiques to popular chain stores.

Santa Barbara is stuck in the 80s and refuses to accept chains or box stores so that local businesses can thrive which is great!

However, if you need some standard clothing, quality jeans will cost you around 70$, and you won’t find any good running sneakers without cashing out close to 110$.

RENT PER MONTH

Renting an apartment is very expensive in Santa Barbara, the prices of rent probably exceeded only by San Jose or New York.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city will cost you well over 2800$, but you could also get a fantastic apartment for 6000$, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room if you’re looking for a bigger one, for the whole family.