Cost of Living: Round Rock, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Round Rock

Texas
122
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Round Rock is 11% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,713/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 8%
$97,187/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 13%
$383,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 25%
$1,781/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ≈ Same
124,288
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Round Rock, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $12,570/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Round Rock is $383,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Round Rock vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Round Rock or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Round Rock and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Round Rock is $1,713/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Round Rock or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $12,570/year higher in Round Rock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Round Rock or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,713/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 Round Rock details → View Santa Maria details →

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