Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

San Antonio is 40% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,258/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 46%
$62,917/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 34%
$219,700 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 118%
$1,235/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 45%
1,458,954
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $21,700/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is San Antonio or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Santa Maria?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $21,700/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 San Antonio or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Santa Maria

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia San Antonio vs. San Diego San Antonio vs. Phoenix San Antonio vs. Dallas San Antonio vs. Houston San Antonio vs. San Jose 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