Dallas, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 97 vs 137

$1,403/mo ↓ 24%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 31%

$67,760/yr ↓ 20%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 25%

$295,300 ↓ 38%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 62%

$1,409/mo ↓ 21%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 27%

1,299,553

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $16,857/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Dallas or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Dallas and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $439/month.

Which city has higher income, Dallas or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $16,857/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 Dallas or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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: Dallas, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Dallas

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons