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

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Lehigh Acres is 31% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,496/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 23%
$62,330/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 36%
$263,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 82%
$1,330/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 35%
127,391
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lehigh Acres, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in Lehigh Acres, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $22,287/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lehigh Acres is $263,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lehigh Acres vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Lehigh Acres or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lehigh Acres and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Lehigh Acres is $1,496/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $346/month.
Which city has higher income, Lehigh Acres or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $62,330 in Lehigh Acres and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $22,287/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 Lehigh Acres or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,496/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 Lehigh Acres details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lehigh Acres and Santa Maria

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