Pueblo, CO vs Santa Maria, CA: 72 vs 137

$1,020/mo ↓ 45%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 81%

$55,305/yr ↓ 35%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 53%

$230,900 ↓ 52%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 107%

$1,011/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 77%

111,514

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pueblo, CO and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $822/month cheaper in Pueblo, saving renters about $9,864/year.

Median household income is $29,312/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pueblo is $230,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Pueblo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pueblo vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Pueblo or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Pueblo and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Pueblo is $1,020/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $822/month.

Which city has higher income, Pueblo or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $55,305 in Pueblo and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $29,312/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?

Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Pueblo or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,020/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: Pueblo, CO vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Pueblo

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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