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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Torrance is 81% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,214/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 17%
$113,105/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 25%
$1,036,600 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 54%
$2,295/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 22%
143,499
Population
109,880

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $28,488/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Torrance or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $28,488/year higher in Torrance.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Torrance or Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Santa Maria details →