Uprootmap
Santa Maria vs San Jose
Santa Maria and San Jose
Photo: Michael / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in San Jose are under the US rate in this release, 2.5 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 Jose
In 2022-2023, 201 households filed a move from Santa Maria to San Jose (about 258 people, average adjusted gross income $99,398). 161 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,323 in Santa Maria and $3,011 in San Jose. Santa Maria has a state tax on wages. San Jose has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Jose is 136% of the national level for the same work, against 88% in Santa Maria.
San Jose averages 257 sunny days, with July highs around 84°F and January nights around 42°F. Santa Maria is 263 sunny days, 95°F in July, 40°F in January. Commutes average 29 minutes in San Jose 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, 201 households moved Santa Maria → San Jose (about 258 people, average AGI $99,398). 161 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 Jose changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 216 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,950–$3,650
- Container or pod
- $1,300–$2,450
- Rent a truck
- $500–$950
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Dig into San Jose
Questions
Is San Jose cheaper than Santa Maria after tax and rent?
No. San Jose leaves about $1,147 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 $3,011 in San Jose.
Does San Jose have state income tax?
San Jose is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Santa Maria to San Jose?
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.