Uprootmap
Santa Maria vs San Diego
Santa Maria and San Diego
Photo: Boatguy619 / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in San Diego are under the US rate in this release, 2.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Santa Maria to San Diego
In 2022-2023, 478 households filed a move from Santa Maria to San Diego (about 638 people, average adjusted gross income $76,128). 286 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,323 in Santa Maria and $2,292 in San Diego. Santa Maria has a state tax on wages. San Diego has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Diego is 109% of the national level for the same work, against 88% in Santa Maria.
San Diego averages 266 sunny days, with July highs around 78°F and January nights around 50°F. Santa Maria is 263 sunny days, 95°F in July, 40°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in San Diego and 21 in Santa Maria.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 478 households moved Santa Maria → San Diego (about 638 people, average AGI $76,128). 286 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Santa Maria and San Diego changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 258 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $2,000–$3,750
- Container or pod
- $1,350–$2,550
- Rent a truck
- $550–$1,050
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Dig into San Diego
Questions
Is San Diego cheaper than Santa Maria after tax and rent?
No. San Diego leaves about $203 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,323 in Santa Maria and $2,292 in San Diego.
Does San Diego have state income tax?
San Diego is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Santa Maria to San Diego?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.