Cost of Living: Santa Maria, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Santa Maria

California
137
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Santa Maria is 88% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,842/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 45%
$84,617/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 43%
$478,200 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 51%
$1,789/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 42%
109,880
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $837/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,044/year.

Median household income is $36,081/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Santa Maria or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Maria and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $837/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $36,081/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Maria or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Maria details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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