Cost of Living: League City, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

League City

Texas
114
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

League City is 17% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,628/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 13%
$119,870/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 29%
$334,000 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 43%
$1,766/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 1%
114,885
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

16.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing League City, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in League City, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $35,253/year higher in League City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in League City is $334,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

League City vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is League City or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, League City is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between League City and Santa Maria?
Median rent in League City is $1,628/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, League City or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $119,870 in League City and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $35,253/year higher in League City.
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 League City or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. League City has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,628/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 League City details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for League City and Santa Maria

League City vs. High Point League City vs. Lowell League City vs. Richmond League City vs. East Los Angeles League City vs. Manchester League City vs. Carlsbad 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