Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Simi Valley, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Abilene is 129% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,106/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 127%
$62,720/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 88%
$178,900 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 321%
$1,114/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 131%
127,130
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,407/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $16,884/year.

Median household income is $54,983/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Abilene or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,407/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $54,983/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Simi Valley details →