Cost of Living: Evansville, IN vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Evansville

Indiana
57
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Evansville is 58% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$949/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 94%
$52,251/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 62%
$129,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 270%
$919/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 95%
116,441
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Evansville, IN and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $893/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $10,716/year.

Median household income is $32,366/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Evansville is $129,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Evansville vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Evansville or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Evansville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Evansville is $949/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $893/month.
Which city has higher income, Evansville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $52,251 in Evansville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $32,366/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Evansville or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Evansville has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $949/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 Evansville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Evansville and Santa Maria

Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow 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