Austin, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 134 vs 137

$1,655/mo ↓ 10%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 11%

$91,461/yr ↑ 8%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↓ 7%

$512,700 ↑ 7%

Home Value

$478,200 ↓ 7%

$1,747/mo ↓ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 2%

967,862

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $6,844/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Austin or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Austin and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $187/month.

Which city has higher income, Austin or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $6,844/year higher in Austin.

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 Austin or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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.

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

Austin

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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