Odessa, TX vs Santa Maria, CA: 83 vs 137

$1,322/mo ↓ 28%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 39%

$73,030/yr ↓ 14%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 16%

$208,000 ↓ 57%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 130%

$1,251/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 43%

114,080

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Odessa, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $11,587/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Odessa is $208,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Odessa vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Odessa or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Odessa and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Odessa is $1,322/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $520/month.

Which city has higher income, Odessa or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $73,030 in Odessa and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $11,587/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 Odessa or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Odessa has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,322/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: Odessa, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Odessa

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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