Cost of Living: Santa Maria, CA vs Riverview, FL (2026)

Santa Maria

California
137
VS

Riverview

Florida
122

Santa Maria is 12% more expensive than Riverview.

$1,842/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,890/mo ↑ 3%
$84,617/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$95,442/yr ↑ 13%
$478,200 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$341,200 ↓ 29%
$1,789/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,767/mo ↓ 1%
109,880
Population
107,776

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and Riverview, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,825/year higher in Riverview. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 compared to $341,200 in Riverview.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria vs Riverview — common questions

Is Santa Maria or Riverview cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverview is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Maria and Riverview?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in Riverview it's $1,890/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or Riverview?
Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $95,442 in Riverview. Median household income is $10,825/year higher in Riverview.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Maria or Riverview?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/mo, while Riverview has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,890/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Maria details → View Riverview details →

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