California / Santa Barbara County

Moving to Montecito, CA

Thinking of making a move to Montecito, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Montecito, CA

Considering a move to Montecito, CA? This welcoming community of 8,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $3,850,000 and average rents near $4,600. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (72% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Montecito's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Montecito, CA

Montecito has a population of 8,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 53 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 78% White, 1% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
8,900
Density
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age
52.6
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.0%
Black
1.0%
Asian
5.0%
Others
16.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Montecito, CA?

The cost of living in Montecito is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 298.0. Median home values are around $3,850,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $4,600. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$3,850,000
Gross Rent
$4,600
Monthly Electricity Charges
$220
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$12,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$2,150
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
298.0
Grocery
122.0
Housing
720.0
Utilities
128.0
Transportation
146.0
Health Care
118.0
Miscellaneous
140.0

Crime

Is Montecito, CA a safe place to live?

Montecito is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 90 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 85. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
90
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,180
Crime Index
1,270
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,111
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 85

Weather

What is the weather like in Montecito, CA year-round?

Montecito experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 18 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 72% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
63°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
72%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $185,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.5%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 62% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$118,000
Household Income
$185,000
Family Income
$205,000
Per Capita Income
$92,000
Income Male
$105,000
Income Female
$82,000
Poverty Rate
4.5%
Non English Speakers
12.0%
Rent
$4,600
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
6.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.0%
Bachelors or More
62.0%

Education

How are the schools in Montecito, CA?

Montecito offers quality education options, with public schools like Montecito Union School and Santa Barbara Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Montecito Union School
Street
385 San Ysidro Rd
Phone
805-969-3249
Students
400
Student Teacher Ratio
12.0
Name
Santa Barbara Junior High School
Street
721 Cliff Dr
Phone
805-966-5038
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
15.5

Private Schools

Name
Montessori Center School
Street
401 N Milpas St
Phone
805-963-3088
Students
160
Name
Laguna Blanca School
Street
4125 Paloma Dr
Phone
805-687-2461
Students
500

Colleges

Name
University of California, Santa Barbara
City
Santa Barbara
State
CA
Distance
14 miles
Students
26,000
Name
Santa Barbara City College
City
Santa Barbara
State
CA
Distance
10 miles
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Montecito residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 95.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Address
400 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone
(805) 682-7111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
Address
351 S Patterson Ave, Goleta, CA 93111
Phone
(805) 681-6200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
95.0%
Health Care Index
84.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Montecito, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $3,850,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 79%. The market has seen a 4.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Montecito offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$3,850,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$4,600
Owner Occupied Rate
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.5%
New Construction Rate
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Montecito handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Montecito, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Montecito, review the core fields on this page: population 8,900, median home value $3,850,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $4,600, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 72%.

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