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

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Amarillo is 68% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,049/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 76%
$62,469/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 35%
$186,800 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 156%
$1,074/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 67%
200,945
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $793/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $9,516/year.

Median household income is $22,148/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Amarillo or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $793/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $22,148/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 Amarillo or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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.
View Amarillo details → View Santa Maria details →