Irving, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 102 vs 137

$1,517/mo ↓ 18%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 21%

$79,641/yr ↓ 6%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 6%

$287,300 ↓ 40%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 66%

$1,521/mo ↓ 15%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 18%

255,036

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $4,976/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Irving or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Irving and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $325/month.

Which city has higher income, Irving or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $4,976/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 Irving or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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: Irving, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Irving

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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