Average Rent in Santa Maria, CA↑ Rents rising 1.1% YoY🔺 4th priciest in CA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 443,975
Market Overview
Santa Maria, CA has rental prices ranging from $2,381/month to $4,468/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $2,688/month — 92% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $95,977/year, spending $2,688/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 $3,028/month, Santa Maria ranks #4 most expensive of the 51 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 risen by $34/month (1.1%) over the past year, from $2,994 to $3,028. 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 $107,520. The local median household income of $95,977 falls $11,543 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 $661,395, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 18.2. 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 FY2025Is 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 | $1,856 | $2,081 | $2,625 | $3,335 | — |
| Santa Ana | $2,352 | $2,454 | $2,903 | $3,927 | — |
| Oakland | $1,937 | $2,201 | $2,682 | $3,432 | — |
| San Francisco | $2,275 | $2,780 | $3,318 | $4,138 | — |
| Riverside | $1,776 | $1,852 | $2,306 | $3,079 | — |
| San Diego | $2,145 | $2,328 | $2,881 | $3,852 | — |
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 $661,395 home at 7% rate
Living in Santa Maria
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
⚖️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