Adelanto, CA vs Santa Maria, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Adelanto is 21.6% cheaper than Santa Maria. With a cost index of 106 vs 135, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Adelanto to Santa Maria should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Adelanto is $1,389/month compared to $1,842/month in Santa Maria — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Adelanto is more affordable at $318,300 median vs $478,200.

Median household income in Adelanto is $68,419 compared to $84,617 in Santa Maria (-19.1%). The higher salaries in Santa Maria partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Adelanto spend roughly 24.4% of their income on rent, less than the 26.1% in Santa Maria.