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Santa Barbara vs Los Angeles

United States vs United States · 126 km apart

Santa Barbara

United States

$1,246

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Los Angeles

United States

$1,635

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseSanta BarbaraLos AngelesCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25$14.40Santa Barbara
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00$57.60Santa Barbara
Cappuccino$3.38$4.32Santa Barbara
Monthly groceries (single person)$255$326Santa Barbara
Monthly public transport pass$41.25$52.80Santa Barbara
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109$139Santa Barbara
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50$40.32Santa Barbara
Fitness club membership$31.50$40.32Santa Barbara
Cinema ticket$8.25$10.56Santa Barbara
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713$971Santa Barbara
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496$675Santa Barbara
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488$2,026Santa Barbara
Total single-person budget$1,246$1,635Santa Barbara
Average net salary$3,900$4,992

Verdict

Santa Barbara is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Santa Barbara runs about $1,246 versus $1,635 in Los Angeles — a difference of roughly 31%.

Salary-adjusted, Los Angeles leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Santa Barbara  ·  Full cost of living in Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Barbara cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,246 per month in Santa Barbara versus $1,635 in Los Angeles — about 31% less.
How far is Santa Barbara from Los Angeles?
The straight-line distance between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is approximately 126 km (78 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles?
The estimated average net salary is $3,900 in Santa Barbara and $4,992 in Los Angeles. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,654 in Santa Barbara versus $3,357 in Los Angeles per month.