Killeen, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 75 vs 137

$1,147/mo ↓ 38%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 61%

$58,339/yr ↓ 31%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 45%

$196,000 ↓ 59%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 144%

$1,176/mo ↓ 34%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 52%

156,144

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $26,278/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Killeen or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Killeen and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $695/month.

Which city has higher income, Killeen or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $26,278/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 Killeen or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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: Killeen, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Killeen

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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