California / County

Moving to Santa Barbara, CA

Thinking of making a move to Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, CA

Considering a move to Santa Barbara, CA? This welcoming community of 88,665 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,450,000 and average rents near $2,950. Commute times average 21 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 Santa Barbara's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara has a population of 88,665 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 68% White, 2% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 32% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
88,665
Density
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age
38.4
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
31.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
67.8%
Black
1.7%
Asian
5.9%
Others
24.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Santa Barbara, CA?

The cost of living in Santa Barbara is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 188.6. Median home values are around $1,450,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,450,000
Gross Rent
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$180
Auto Insurance
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,250
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
188.6
Grocery
127.4
Housing
274.8
Utilities
118.3
Transportation
140.2
Health Care
116.9
Miscellaneous
132.1

Crime

Is Santa Barbara, CA a safe place to live?

Santa Barbara is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 346 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. 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
346
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
2,766
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 289
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

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

Santa Barbara experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 17 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
43°F
Max
65°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
17.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
72%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $94,500 and a low poverty rate of 15.4%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 49% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 8% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$55,000
Household Income
$94,500
Family Income
$117,000
Per Capita Income
$48,900
Income Male
$62,000
Income Female
$54,500
Poverty Rate
15.4%
Non English Speakers
34.7%
Rent
$2,950
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
8.4%
Commute Time
20.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.4%
Bachelors or More
48.9%

Education

How are the schools in Santa Barbara, CA?

Santa Barbara offers quality education options, with public schools like Santa Barbara Senior High School and S. B. 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
Santa Barbara Senior High School
Street
700 E Anapamu St
Phone
805-966-9101
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
S. B. Junior High School
Street
721 Cliff Dr
Phone
805-963-2295
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
18.7

Private Schools

Name
Laguna Blanca School
Street
4125 Paloma Dr
Phone
805-687-2461
Students
540
Name
Notre Dame School
Street
34 W Islay St
Phone
805-965-1033
Students
230

Colleges

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

Healthcare

Santa Barbara residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Psychiatric Health Facility nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 92.1% 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
Santa Barbara Psychiatric Health Facility
Address
1625 Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone
(805) 681-7140
Type
Psychiatric
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
81.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Santa Barbara, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,450,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. Santa Barbara offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,450,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,950
Owner Occupied Rate
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.7%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, CA

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

Before moving to Santa Barbara, review the core fields on this page: population 88,665, median home value $1,450,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,950, commute time 20.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 72%.

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