McAllen, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 66 vs 137

$1,017/mo ↓ 45%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 81%

$60,165/yr ↓ 29%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 41%

$173,800 ↓ 64%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 175%

$996/mo ↓ 44%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 80%

143,789

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $24,452/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is McAllen or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between McAllen and Santa Maria?

Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $825/month.

Which city has higher income, McAllen or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $24,452/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 McAllen or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/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: McAllen, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

McAllen

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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