Phoenix, AZ vs Santa Maria, CA: 109 vs 137

$1,458/mo ↓ 21%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 26%

$77,041/yr ↓ 9%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 10%

$381,900 ↓ 20%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 25%

$1,430/mo ↓ 20%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 25%

1,624,832

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $7,576/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Phoenix or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $384/month.

Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $7,576/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?

Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Phoenix or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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: Phoenix, AZ vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Phoenix

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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