Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Oklahoma City is 46% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,083/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 70%
$66,702/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 27%
$215,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 122%
$1,133/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 58%
688,693
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $17,915/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Oklahoma City has a lower income tax rate, making Oklahoma City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $17,915/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and California?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oklahoma City and Santa Maria

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