El Paso, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 67 vs 137

$1,041/mo ↓ 43%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 77%

$58,734/yr ↓ 31%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 44%

$171,700 ↓ 64%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 179%

$1,044/mo ↓ 42%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 71%

678,147

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $25,883/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is El Paso or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Santa Maria?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $801/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $25,883/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 El Paso or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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: El Paso, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

El Paso

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons