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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

College Station is 34% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,168/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 58%
$51,776/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 63%
$326,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 46%
$1,251/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 43%
122,280
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $32,841/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is College Station or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Santa Maria?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $32,841/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 College Station or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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