Cost of Living: Spring Valley, NV vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Spring Valley

Nevada
119
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Spring Valley is 13% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,642/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 12%
$72,364/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 17%
$407,900 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 17%
$1,554/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 15%
219,913
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spring Valley, NV and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Spring Valley, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $12,253/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spring Valley is $407,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Spring Valley residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring Valley vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Spring Valley or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spring Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spring Valley and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Spring Valley is $1,642/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Spring Valley or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $72,364 in Spring Valley and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $12,253/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Spring Valley or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Spring Valley has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,642/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Spring Valley details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spring Valley and Santa Maria

Spring Valley vs. Port St. Lucie Spring Valley vs. Huntsville Spring Valley vs. Tacoma Spring Valley vs. Modesto Spring Valley vs. San Bernardino Spring Valley vs. Des Moines Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton