Taxes in Santa Barbara, California
Complete tax guide for Santa Barbara, CA. State income tax up to 9.3%, 0.72% property tax, 8.66% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
9.3%
California
Property Tax
0.72%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.66%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Santa Barbara, CA Tax Overview
Population
88,665
Median Income
$75,500
Cost of Living
160.2 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
9.3%
Median Home Price
$686,000
Santa Barbara Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Santa Barbara median: $75,500
Total Tax Burden in Santa Barbara
$21,021
Take-Home: $54,479 · Effective Rate: 27.84%
Federal Tax
$8,224
10.89% eff.
CA State
$7,022
9.30% eff.
FICA
$5,776
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$54,479
72.16% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $75,500.00 | $6,291.67 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,224.00 | -$685.33 |
| California State Tax | -$7,021.50 | -$585.13 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,681.00 | -$390.08 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,094.75 | -$91.23 |
| Take-Home Pay | $54,478.75 | $4,539.90 |
Property Tax in Santa Barbara
Median Home
$686,000
Annual Tax
$4,939
Monthly Tax
$412
Effective Rate
0.72%
Sales Tax in Santa Barbara
Combined Rate
8.66%
State Portion
~6.2%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Santa Barbara is 8.66%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.66 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Santa Barbara | California Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 9.3% | 9.3% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.72% | ~0.72% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.66% | ~8.66% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Santa Barbara Residents
- California's income tax rate of 9.3% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Santa Barbara (0.72%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- The combined sales tax rate of 8.66% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
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See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Santa Barbara, CA?
Santa Barbara, California has a state income tax rate up to 9.3%. The property tax rate is 0.72% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.66%.
How much is property tax in Santa Barbara?
The effective property tax rate in Santa Barbara is 0.72%. On the median home price of $686,000, this equals approximately $4,939 per year or $412 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Santa Barbara?
The combined sales tax rate in Santa Barbara is 8.66%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Santa Barbara's tax burden compare to other cities?
Santa Barbara has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 33.7%. The combination of 9.3% state income tax, 0.72% property tax, and 8.66% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 160.2 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 9.3%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).