Cost of Living: North Las Vegas, NV vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

North Las Vegas

Nevada
114
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

North Las Vegas is 17% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,605/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 15%
$76,772/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 10%
$372,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 28%
$1,570/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 14%
270,773
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Las Vegas, NV and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in North Las Vegas, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $7,845/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Las Vegas is $372,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving North Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Las Vegas vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is North Las Vegas or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Las Vegas and Santa Maria?
Median rent in North Las Vegas is $1,605/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, North Las Vegas or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $76,772 in North Las Vegas and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $7,845/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to North Las Vegas or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. North Las Vegas has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,605/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 North Las Vegas details → View Santa Maria details →

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