Palmdale, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: 130 vs 137

$1,736/mo ↓ 6%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 6%

$81,151/yr ↓ 4%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 4%

$435,300 ↓ 9%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 10%

$1,831/mo ↑ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↓ 2%

165,487

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $3,466/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Palmdale or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $106/month.

Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $3,466/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between California and California?

Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Palmdale or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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: Palmdale, CA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Palmdale

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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