Cost of Living: Hollywood, FL vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Hollywood

Florida
113
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Hollywood is 18% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,555/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 18%
$65,359/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 29%
$374,200 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 28%
$1,568/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 14%
152,935
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hollywood, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Hollywood, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $19,258/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hollywood is $374,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hollywood vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Hollywood or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hollywood is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hollywood and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Hollywood is $1,555/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Hollywood or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $65,359 in Hollywood and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $19,258/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 Hollywood or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Hollywood has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,555/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 Hollywood details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hollywood and Santa Maria

Hollywood vs. Sunnyvale Hollywood vs. Roseville Hollywood vs. Springfield Hollywood vs. Charleston Hollywood vs. Kansas City Hollywood vs. Bellevue 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