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

$1,137/mo ↓ 38%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 62%

$60,487/yr ↓ 29%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 40%

$197,900 ↓ 59%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 142%

$1,179/mo ↓ 34%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 52%

261,078

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $24,130/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Lubbock or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

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

What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $705/month.

Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $24,130/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 Lubbock or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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: Lubbock, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Lubbock

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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