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

Pembroke Pines

Florida
130
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Pembroke Pines is 5% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,910/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 4%
$81,675/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 4%
$411,700 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 16%
$1,717/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 4%
170,557
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pembroke Pines, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $2,942/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pembroke Pines is $411,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pembroke Pines vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Pembroke Pines or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pembroke Pines is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pembroke Pines and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Pembroke Pines is $1,910/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Pembroke Pines or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $2,942/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Pembroke Pines or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,910/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 Pembroke Pines details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pembroke Pines and Santa Maria

Pembroke Pines vs. Garden Grove Pembroke Pines vs. Lancaster Pembroke Pines vs. Clarksville Pembroke Pines vs. Fort Collins Pembroke Pines vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Springfield 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