Cost of Living: Santa Maria, CA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Santa Maria

California

137

South Fulton

Georgia

103

Santa Maria is 34% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,842/mo ↑ 15%

Median Rent

$1,607/mo ↓ 13%

$84,617/yr ↑ 3%

Median Income

$81,798/yr ↓ 3%

$478,200 ↑ 77%

Home Value

$270,600 ↓ 43%

$1,789/mo ↑ 16%

Owner Costs

$1,541/mo ↓ 14%

109,880

Population

109,157

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

5.49%

7.25%

Sales Tax

4.0%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.92%

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in South Fulton, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $2,819/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Santa Maria or South Fulton cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Maria and South Fulton?

Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $235/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or South Fulton?

Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $2,819/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Maria or South Fulton?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.