Hialeah, FL vs Santa Maria, CA: 109 vs 137

$1,558/mo ↓ 15%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 18%

$53,079/yr ↓ 37%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 59%

$359,200 ↓ 25%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 33%

$1,448/mo ↓ 19%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 24%

221,901

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hialeah, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Hialeah, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $31,538/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hialeah is $359,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hialeah vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Hialeah or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Hialeah is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Hialeah and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Hialeah is $1,558/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $284/month.

Which city has higher income, Hialeah or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $53,079 in Hialeah and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $31,538/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between Florida and California?

Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Hialeah or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Hialeah has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,558/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: Hialeah, FL vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Hialeah

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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