Is Austin, TX cheaper than Santa Maria, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 5.0% cheaper than Santa Maria, CA. This translates to saving $374 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Santa Maria, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Maria, CA, you'd need approximately $145,516.802 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Maria, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 18.6% cheaper than in Santa Maria, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,723/month in Santa Maria, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Santa Maria, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Santa Maria, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $374 per month, or $4483 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Maria, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Maria, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Santa Maria, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $374/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$374

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Santa Maria, CA

Population:110K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$612K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$558K

Santa Maria, CA

The Golden State

110K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 110K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Maria, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Santa Maria, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,542/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $658less	18.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $318less	19.9%
📦Other	$1,467/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $274more	18.7%
🏥Healthcare	$475/mo	$589/mo	↑ $113more	23.9%
🛒Groceries	$895/mo	$959/mo	↑ $63.82more	7.1%
⚡All Utilities	$480/mo	$541/mo	↑ $60.71more	12.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.6%

Santa Maria, CA

$3,542

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$658

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

Santa Maria, CA

$1,602

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$318

less

📦Other

↑ 18.7%

Santa Maria, CA

$1,467

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$274

🏥Healthcare

↑ 23.9%

Santa Maria, CA

$475

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$113

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.1%

Santa Maria, CA

$895

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$63.82

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.6%

Santa Maria, CA

$480

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$60.71

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,357

To$1,585

↑ $228

1 Bed

From$1,527

To$1,685

↑ $158

2 Bed

From$1,723

To$1,995

↑ $272

3 Bed

From$2,278

To$2,525

↑ $247

Santa Maria, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,420–$2,420/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,462

Monthly in Santa Maria, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$464

Difference

Home Values

Santa Maria

Austin

$612K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +39.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$612K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 9% less expensive than Santa Maria

Calculate payment - Santa Maria Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Santa Maria, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Santa Maria, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.