Average Rent in Santa Maria, CA↓ Rents falling 0.6% YoY🔺 5th priciest in CA
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 443,975
Market Overview
Santa Maria, CA has rental prices ranging from $2,479/month to $4,557/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $2,711/month — 94% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $95,977/year, spending $2,711/month on a 1-bedroom represents 34% of gross income — at the boundary of affordability.
How Santa Maria Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $3,106/month, Santa Maria ranks #5 most expensive of the 52 cities tracked in California — pricier than 100% of all US cities in our data.
The Santa Maria Rental Market
The Santa Maria, CA area has a population of about 443,975 and 47% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Santa Maria, CA have fallen by $18/month (0.6%) over the past year, from $3,124 to $3,106. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Maria, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $108,440. The local median household income of $95,977 falls $12,463 short of that threshold, meaning many residents in Santa Maria are housing cost-burdened by conventional measures.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Santa Maria, CA is $665,485, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 17.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Santa Maria, CA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in CAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $2,151 | $2,402 | $2,964 | $3,760 | — |
| Santa Ana | $2,580 | $2,610 | $3,057 | $4,153 | — |
| Oakland | $2,088 | $2,290 | $2,805 | $3,592 | — |
| San Francisco | $2,574 | $3,003 | $3,697 | $4,832 | — |
| Riverside | $1,605 | $1,705 | $2,103 | $2,771 | — |
| San Diego | $2,192 | $2,335 | $2,823 | $3,743 | — |
Rent or Buy in Santa Maria?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Santa Maria data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $665,485 home at 7% rate
Living in Santa Maria
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Santa MariaIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in Santa MariaSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in CASee how Santa Maria ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Santa MariaSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋CA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections