Cost of Living: Santa Maria, CA vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Santa Maria

California
137
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Santa Maria and Sugar Land have a similar cost of living.

$1,842/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 5%
$84,617/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 63%
$478,200 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 15%
$1,789/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 10%
109,880
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $52,894/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Santa Maria or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sugar Land is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Maria and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $52,894/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Maria or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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