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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Jacksonville is 33% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,375/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 34%
$66,981/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 26%
$266,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 80%
$1,324/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 35%
961,739
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $17,636/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $17,636/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 Jacksonville or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Santa Maria

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte 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