Cost of Living: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Port St. Lucie is 18% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,781/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 3%
$78,137/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 8%
$327,700 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 46%
$1,507/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 19%
220,453
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Port St. Lucie, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Port St. Lucie, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $6,480/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Port St. Lucie is $327,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Port St. Lucie vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Port St. Lucie or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Port St. Lucie and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,781/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Port St. Lucie or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $6,480/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 Port St. Lucie or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,781/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 Port St. Lucie details → View Santa Maria details →

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