Cost of Living: Santa Maria, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Santa Maria

California
137
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Santa Maria is 73% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,842/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 31%
$84,617/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 23%
$478,200 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 57%
$1,789/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 34%
109,880
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $19,425/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Santa Maria or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Maria and Dearborn?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or Dearborn?
Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $19,425/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Maria or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Maria details → View Dearborn details →

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