Santa Maria, CA
Salary intelligence, cost of living, and affordability data
Avg Salary
$75,019
across all roles
Cost Index
110
Above Average
Avg Rent
$1,750/mo
1-bed apartment
Affordability
5/10
Moderate Affordability
How affordable is Santa Maria?
Moderate Affordability
Purchasing power score: 1.55× (take-home ÷ living costs)
With a cost of living index of 110 (US avg = 100) and average disposable income of $1,611/mo, Santa Maria is a mid-tier cost market with reasonable affordability across most income levels.
Cost of Living Benchmarks
Cost Index
110
US avg = 100
Est. Monthly Rent
$1,750
1-bed, city avg
Avg Disposable
$1,611
after taxes + living costs
Median Salary
$65,860
across all tracked roles
Purchasing Power
1.55×
take-home ÷ costs
Jobs Tracked
791
job titles with data
Highest-Paying Jobs in Santa Maria
By gross annual salary
- $235,935
- $234,732
- $233,094
- $228,941
- $226,403
- $226,391
- $224,095
- $220,812
- $212,431
- $209,833
Best Jobs for Disposable Income
After taxes and living costs
- $11,400/mo
- $11,327/mo
- $11,227/mo
- $10,974/mo
- $10,820/mo
- $10,819/mo
- $10,679/mo
- $10,480/mo
- $9,970/mo
- $9,812/mo
Jobs With Tightest Budgets in Santa Maria
These roles leave the least disposable income after living costs — worth knowing before accepting an offer.
Metal Workers And Plastic Workers
$5/mo left
$48,631/yr gross
Exercise Trainers And Group Fitness Instructors
$12/mo left
$48,740/yr gross
Medical Secretaries And Administrative Assistants
$13/mo left
$48,761/yr gross
Molders
$15/mo left
$48,781/yr gross
Cutting And Slicing Machine Setters
$18/mo left
$48,844/yr gross
Explore Santa Maria Further
All data derived from BLS OEWS metro data and regional cost-of-living indices. Figures are estimates; verify with local sources before making decisions.