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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Carrollton is 15% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,674/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 10%
$99,115/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 15%
$353,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 35%
$1,689/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 6%
132,741
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $14,498/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Carrollton or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $14,498/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Carrollton and Santa Maria

Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman 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