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

Miramar

Florida
135
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Miramar and Santa Maria have a similar cost of living.

$1,954/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 6%
$86,109/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 2%
$420,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 14%
$1,863/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 4%
135,986
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miramar, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $1,492/year higher in Miramar. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miramar is $420,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miramar vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Miramar or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miramar is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miramar and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Miramar is $1,954/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Miramar or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $86,109 in Miramar and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $1,492/year higher in Miramar.
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 Miramar or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Miramar has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,954/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 Miramar details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miramar and Santa Maria

Miramar vs. Pasadena Miramar vs. Victorville Miramar vs. Dayton Miramar vs. Elizabeth Miramar vs. Cedar Rapids Miramar vs. Stamford 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