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

Santa Maria

California
137
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Santa Maria is 73% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,842/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 35%
$84,617/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 23%
$478,200 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 55%
$1,789/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 35%
109,880
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Maria, CA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $19,090/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Maria is $478,200 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria vs Tyler — common questions

Is Santa Maria or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler 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 Tyler?
Median rent in Santa Maria is $1,842/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Maria or Tyler?
Median household income is $84,617 in Santa Maria and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $19,090/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,842/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Maria details → View Tyler details →

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