Cost of Living in Santa Barbara, CA
Population: 88,024 • 2026 Data
$101,672
Median Household Income
+31% vs national
$2,302
Median Monthly Rent
+71% vs national
$1,466,400
Median Home Value
+333% vs national
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Santa Barbara
The median home value in Santa Barbara, CA is $1,466,400. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $2,302, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,367.
Rent-to-income ratio: 27.2%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Santa Barbara, CA is $101,672. The unemployment rate stands at 4.7%, with a labor force of 48,520 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.