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Ever wonder what it’s like to live in paradise? Living in Santa Barbara comes pretty darn close. Just ask anyone who’s already made the move. Stunning cliffside views, pristine beaches, a gorgeous Mediterranean climate, historic architecture, and a sense of community — Santa Barbara offers all of that and more. 

It’s easy to see why the area is often referred to as the “American Riviera.” The breathtaking views extend from the Pacific Coast, through the city, and up into the trails of the (and, some would argue, even out to the nearby wine country). Within the city limits, you’ll find top-notch schools, rich history and local culture, and excellent options for when you want to be wined and dined. We could go on and on.

But is life in Santa Barbara beauty and breezes all the time? And would it feel like living in paradise to you? Before making the move, here are 11 things we think you should know about living in Santa Barbara.

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Q: Is Santa Barbara a good place to live? A: Absolutely. If you can swing the steep Santa Barbara cost of living, you’ll love its beaches, top-tier schools, wine-and-dine culture, plethora of soothing outdoor activities, and 283 days of sunshine per year.

Living in Santa Barbara at a Glance

• Santa Barbara is located along the Pacific Coast, (about a two-hour drive) northwest of Los Angeles.
• Around call the city of Santa Barbara home.
• Even though Santa Barbara is a college town, it’s also popular with retirees, leaving the 2023 median age . 

1. Living in Paradise Ain’t Cheap.

A good question to ask before making the move: Is Santa Barbara expensive? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. But living in Santa Barbara isn’t just expensive. It’s one of the , and possibly the most expensive city in Central California. According to , the cost of living in Santa Barbara is nearly 55 percent higher than the national average — ouch! 

• For 2024-2025, Santa Barbara ranks No. 6 on the list of in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. (It should be noted, though, that it also ranked No. 4 for .)
• The median household income in Santa Barbara was in 2022, nearly $23,000 more than the .
• The highest individual income tax rates can be found in California, and Santa Barbara is no exception. The income tax rate for residents can reach as , depending on income and filing status.

Q: Is Santa Barbara cheaper than L.A.? A: Not by much. Overall, the cost of living in Santa Barbara is than in Los Angeles. The costs of utilities and transportation here are a little cheaper than in L.A., but everything else in Santa Barbara (housing, health care, food, and miscellaneous) is more expensive.

Elegant estates, many passed down from generation to generation, line the refined streets of Santa Barbara.
(Source: )

2. Housing Costs in Santa Barbara Reflect the High Cost of Living.

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of living in Santa Barbara is housing costs. But just how expensive is Santa Barbara? The average home value is a staggering , while rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages (for about 700 square feet). According to , most residents (59 percent) are renters. But finding an affordable — or relatively affordable — place can be challenging, so be sure to start your search well in advance of your move.  

Part of the reasoning here behind high square-footage costs is that there are tight restrictions on development — plus, as mentioned earlier, this is a small city that’s in high demand. A lot of the wealth here is inherited by families living in Santa Barbara for generations, and that includes property. 

Q: What salary do I need to live in Santa Barbara? A: How much do you need to make to live in Santa Barbara? Between $67,000 and $152,000 annually (before taxes), depending on the size of your household. The average annual salary here is about $60,100, according to , or just about $29 per hour. How does that stack up to the Santa Barbara cost of living? Well, according to the , the living hourly wage for one adult without children in Santa Barbara is $32.11. For a household with two adults (and no kids) where one is working, that number goes up to $41.98 per hour, while the living wage for a two-parent household (both working) with two children is $36.53.

3. The Top 3 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Santa Barbara Are Vastly Different.

Santa Barbara has plenty of incredible neighborhoods to choose from, but (for this article) we've narrowed it down to three of our favorites to help you answer the bottom-line question: Is Santa Barbara a good place to live? If you want to take a more in-depth look into some of the best places to live in "The American Riviera," check out our Top 5 Santa Barbara Neighborhoods.

1. Downtown Santa Barbara

• Average rent (one-bedroom):
• Average home value:

Santa Barbara isn’t a sprawling city, but the heart of its action can still be found pumping downtown. Stretching less than 10 blocks, the district puts you in walking distance of oodles of things to do in Santa Barbara, including finding good restaurants, activities, culture, and events — all surrounded by gorgeous Spanish Colonial buildings.

Isla Vista is the perfect neighborhood for students — with nearby beaches included in the cost of tuition.
(Source: )

2. Isla Vista

• Average rent:
• Typical home value:

Coming to Santa Barbara for school? This is where you want to be. Located next to the (UCSB) campus, Isla Vista is pretty much exclusively for college cohorts — and there’s no end of things to do in Santa Barbara for students. With that in mind, expect budget-conscious businesses and a very social vibe — oh, and it’s close to the beach, of course!

3. Mission Canyon

• Average rent (one-bedroom):
• Median home sale price:

This neighborhood swaps the Pacific beachfront for dramatic canyons in the Santa Ynez Mountains. If you want easy access to hiking trails, hope to frequent the , or just love historic districts, this might be your “X marks the spot” for living in Santa Barbara. Bonus? It’s still just a 15-minute ride to the beach. 

Other Santa Barbara suburbs worth considering:  • Montecito  • Goleta • Summerland • Carpinteria

Living in Santa Barbara’s mild, Mediterranean-like climate makes it easy to enjoy the paradise of beaches, mountains, and everything in between.  
(Source: )

4. The Central Coast Weather Is Delightful.

Q: Why is Santa Barbara so desirable? A: The city’s rich cultural flavor and agreeable climate make it a choice destination for vacationers — and a desirable home for generations of families. Living in Santa Barbara also means abundant natural beauty for surfing, sailing, and hiking — how can you top that?

About a 10-minute drive from Downtown Santa Barbara, Butterfly Beach is just one of the area’s dazzling waterfront destinations.
(Source: )

5. Life’s a Beach! Here Are the Top 5 Santa Barbara Beaches.

Pristine beaches are a trademark of Santa Barbara life, and lounging in the sand and surf is a favorite pastime of locals and tourists alike. The city has a handful of beaches, each with its own specific draw, though all sport a beautiful coastal breeze. (Just don’t forget your sandals. are no joke, and they’ll leave their mark on the bottoms of your feet and shoes.)  

1. Butterfly Beach
This gorgeous stretch of beach makes for perfectly envious Instagram shots and quite often sports a backdrop of equally beautiful beachgoers — even the occasional celebrity. It’s also a top spot for grabbing a cocktail as you watch the sun sink into the horizon.  

2. Arroyo Burro Beach
Known as Hendry’s Beach to the locals, this is Santa Barbara’s premier dog-friendly beach. There’s even a DIY dog-washing station set up in the parking lot, so you can get all the sand and salt water off your pooch before heading home. 

3. East Beach
Energetic beachgoers and families flock to East Beach for its active amenities, like bike rentals to ride up the coastal trail, beach volleyball courts for a little friendly competition, ample parking, picnic areas, restaurants, and restrooms. Plus, its two-block proximity to the zoo makes it easy to have a surf ‘n’ turf experience all in one day. 

4. Mesa Beach
Tucked away at the bottom of numerous stairs behind More Mesa Park, this natural beach is a local favorite (and secret — shhh!). It’s split between a standard, suited section to the left and an unofficial, clothing-optional section to the right. Just bare (pun intended) in mind that there are no facilities here; it’s simply a beautiful beachfront. 

5. Leadbetter Beach
If a college-aged crowd, BBQ grills, and lots of activity sound like your thing, then grab your friends and a couple of burgers and head down to the always-popping Leadbetter Beach. Here you’ll find sun worshippers and surfers alike. It’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and beach walks. 

Good to know: While Santa Barbara’s beaches are popular for surfing, the magic disappears in the summer months when the Channel Islands block all the swells. However, dedicated surfers accept they’ll just have to drive a half-hour to an hour to get around it and back on the waves.

6. Beware of Wildfires and Earthquakes.

Unfortunately, thanks to the dry summer heat, like in much of California in general, fires in Santa Barbara are a yearly problem. Whereas many cities have hurricane seasons, California has fire seasons. And in Santa Barbara, the high fire season starts as the humidity drops and the temperature and winds rise, usually around mid- to late-May, and lasts until October (or later). Fires can cause the normally clear and beautiful air here to be filled with smoke, though being on the coast does help.

Another natural disaster that affects Santa Barbara? Earthquakes. Although the city itself is not directly on a fault line, northern areas of Santa Barbara County rest near two that are related to the infamous San Andreas fault line. is essential if you’re a resident of the city, as is bolting large furniture to the floor or walls.

7. To Wine and Dine Is a Bonafide Pastime Here.

Napa may take the gold when it comes to California wine country, but Santa Barbara can hold its own bling in the ring, too. Need some help with things to do in Santa Barbara? For starters, there are over 100 wineries in the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valley, many within a 30-minute drive of the city. Want a sneak peak? The 2004 Paul Giamatti film “Sideways” put Santa Barbara’s wine country on the map, at least on a wider scale. While no one is going to (inside movie joke), be sure to try wines made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc — all grapes that thrive in the climate and soil here.

If you’re not up for a winery getaway, the city has several tasting rooms where you can get your fix, too — a fabulous perk of living in Santa Barbara. In fact, it's a great way to preview what you’ll find outside the city, so you can plan your next outing itinerary. And while you’re at it, be sure to check out some of Santa Barbara’s top-notch restaurants. We recommend starting with these: 

8. Schools in Santa Barbara Are Top-Tier.

If prospective students aren’t deterred by the Santa Barbara cost of living, the experience of attending school here is rewarding on many levels. The University of California at Santa Barbara ranks 21st for Top Public Universities in America and 13th for Colleges With the Best Student Life in America, . It’s a wonder anyone can get any good studying done, though, with an obscenely stunning cliffside campus, complete with its own beach and lagoon. And, perhaps not surprisingly, UC Santa Barbara earns Niche’s 2025 top billing as the . 

Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) isn’t anything to shake a stick at either. The SBCC campus boasts equally distracting cliff-top ocean views and ranks as the . 

gives the public pre-K, elementary, middle, and high schools in Santa Barbara an overall collective A grade. Montecito Union and Cold Spring Elementary receive A+ grades from the site.  

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9. You Can’t Miss Out on These Top Things To Do in Santa Barbara.

Don’t be fooled by this Golden State city’s small size — there’s always a lot going on in Santa Barbara, and it’s usually outdoors. Folks here love anything that will help them break a sweat. They enjoy festivals and take advantage of the surrounding natural beauty as much as possible. Here are our top 10 things you must do in Santa Barbara:

Take a Hike

Hiking is a favorite pastime in Santa Barbara, where getting the blood pumping in your legs is rewarded with gorgeous views and fresh coastal air. Some top trails at different difficulty levels include the Arroyo Burro Beach Loop (easy), Inspiration Point (moderate), and Tangerine Falls Trail (hard).

Shop a Farmers’ Market

Santa Barbara goes big when it comes to fresh produce with farmers’ markets six days a week in either Santa Barbara or nearby towns like Solveng, Goleta, and Montecito.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice

What started out as a humble birthday event thrown by local artists has grown into a full-scale annual celebration that the whole town looks forward to. with a colorful parade, musical performances, and a vibrant vibe that draws more than 100,000 spectators a year. 

Peruse the Shops on State Street

While admittedly a bit more of a tourist activity, Downtown Santa Barbara’s is still a popular way to spend a sunny afternoon — especially if you enjoy shopping at boutiques, people watching, or soaking in the bustling atmosphere. 

This is another can’t-miss annual Santa Barbara event, where you’ll get a first look at hundreds of films from all over the world. Held early in the year, this festival lasts a whopping 11 days and features awards, a red carpet, and interesting Q&A’s with actors, directors, and filmmakers.

For nearly a century, Santa Barbara has been throwing every year to honor its Mexican, Spanish, and Indigenous American history through educational events, performances, dances, and more. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Santa Barbara loves to celebrate!

We’ve already established that Santa Barbara is beautiful, and having its very own butterfly preserve only further proves our point. As part of , this attraction is a must-visit for butterfly lovers. Go between November and February and you’ll find yourself surrounded by countless migrated monarchs hanging around until winter passes. Equally as beautiful? It’s free!

Explore the Channel Islands National Park

Hop aboard an Island Packers cruise for a quick trip to the , a heavenly, rugged national park that feels many miles away from California. Be sure to put on your hiking shoes, though, because once you’re here, these “Galapagos Islands of North America” are walking-access only.

 

 

Did you know you can go whale watching in Santa Barbara? Tack this onto the long list of nature-based experiences available in this coastal paradise. Depending on when you go, you can spot blue whales, humpback whales, gray whales, minke whales, and fin whales — you may even spot some dolphins, too.

Joining the party in Downtown Santa Barbara for the “” (on the first Thursday of every month, obvi) is a great way to get to meet your neighbors, soak in some local art and music, and grub up on your (new) favorite eats.

10. Santa Barbara Introduced Avocados to California — And Celebrates Them Every Year.

California is practically synonymous with avocados, and the state has Santa Barbara to thank for bringing the avocado up from Mexico back in 1871. The love for this green fruit has endured, and you can help celebrate it every year in Santa Barbara County at the (AVOFEST) held in Carpinteria, 11 miles south of Santa Barbara proper.  

11. Santa Barbara Is as Laid Back as They Say.

Santa Barbara isn’t a huge metropolis like San Francisco or Los Angeles. While there are  always plenty of things to do in Santa Barbara, you won’t find the hustle and bustle of California’s bigger cities in this coastal town. What you will find is a chill day at the beach, relaxing brunch spots, live entertainment, and top-notch dining. If that sounds like a lifestyle that strikes your fancy, this is the place for you.

Make the Move to Santa Barbara With ÐÓ°ÉPro

So is it paradise, after all? If you’ve been persuaded to make the move to Santa Barbara, we can help you get there with our flexible moving and storage options. Starting from square one? No problem! Download our comprehensive moving checklist, find out how to vet moving companies and services, and learn the ins and outs of packing for a long-distance move.

Alex Keight is a frequent contributor to the ÐÓ°ÉPro Blog who has moved 25+ times because she loves to experience new places. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.