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

Beaumont

Texas
66
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Beaumont is 52% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,072/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 72%
$57,530/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 47%
$158,800 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 201%
$1,031/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 74%
113,710
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Beaumont, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Beaumont, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $27,087/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Beaumont is $158,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Beaumont vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Beaumont or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Beaumont and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Beaumont is $1,072/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $770/month.
Which city has higher income, Beaumont or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $57,530 in Beaumont and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $27,087/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 Beaumont or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,072/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 Beaumont details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Beaumont and Santa Maria

Beaumont vs. Springfield Beaumont vs. Gresham Beaumont vs. Odessa Beaumont vs. Las Cruces Beaumont vs. Elgin Beaumont vs. Lansing Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton