Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Abilene is 66% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,106/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 67%
$62,720/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 35%
$178,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 167%
$1,114/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 61%
127,130
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $21,897/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Abilene or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $21,897/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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