Home Values in Santa Maria, California — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Balanced Market | +1.9% YoY
The median home value in Santa Maria, California is $535,000 as of March 2026, which is above the national median of $400,000. Home values in Santa Maria have increased by 1.9% over the past year and 9.9% over the last five years. With a population of 109,988 and a median household income of $55,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 9.7x, making Santa Maria affordable for the average household.
Santa Maria Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Santa Maria | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $535,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +1.9% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +9.9% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $453 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 54 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 3.9 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 101% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 84 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.51% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Santa Maria
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $486,806 five years ago in Santa Maria would have gained approximately $48,194 in equity, representing a 9.9% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $9,975 in home equity.
Affordability in Santa Maria, CA
With a median household income of $55,250 and a median home price of $535,000, the price-to-income ratio in Santa Maria is 9.7x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $3,026 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $2,880 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.95. In Santa Maria, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Santa Maria
The effective property tax rate in California is 0.76%. On a home valued at $535,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $4,066, or approximately $339/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Santa Maria is 112.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are above the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Santa Maria, CA?
The median home value in Santa Maria, California is $535,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +1.9% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 9.9%.
Is Santa Maria a buyer's or seller's market?
Santa Maria is currently a balanced market with 3.9 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 54 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 101%. Supply and demand are relatively balanced.
Are home values going up in Santa Maria?
Yes, home values in Santa Maria have increased by 1.9% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 9.9%, meaning a home worth $486,806 five years ago is now worth $535,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Santa Maria?
The average monthly rent in Santa Maria is $3,026, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $2,880. The price-to-rent ratio is 14.7. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Santa Maria, California is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.