Laredo, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 67 vs 137

$1,001/mo ↓ 46%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 84%

$63,264/yr ↓ 25%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 34%

$182,400 ↓ 62%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 162%

$1,066/mo ↓ 40%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 68%

255,949

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $841/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $10,092/year.

Median household income is $21,353/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Laredo or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Laredo and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $841/month.

Which city has higher income, Laredo or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $21,353/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 Laredo or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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: Laredo, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Laredo

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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