Houston, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 88 vs 137

$1,313/mo ↓ 29%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 40%

$62,894/yr ↓ 26%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 35%

$253,400 ↓ 47%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 89%

$1,316/mo ↓ 26%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 36%

2,300,419

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $529/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $6,348/year.

Median household income is $21,723/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Houston or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Houston and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $529/month.

Which city has higher income, Houston or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $21,723/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 Houston or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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: Houston, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Houston

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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