Cost of Living: High Point, NC vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

High Point

North Carolina
73
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

High Point is 47% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,062/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 73%
$61,228/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 38%
$212,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 125%
$1,084/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 65%
115,263
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing High Point, NC and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $23,389/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in High Point is $212,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

High Point vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is High Point or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between High Point and Santa Maria?
Median rent in High Point is $1,062/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, High Point or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $23,389/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to High Point or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. High Point has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,062/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 High Point details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles 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