Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Toledo is 62% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$880/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 109%
$47,532/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 78%
$107,000 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 347%
$856/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 109%
268,461
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $962/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $11,544/year.

Median household income is $37,085/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Toledo or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $962/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $37,085/year higher in Santa Maria.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Santa Maria details →

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