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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Austin is 33% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,655/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 52%
$91,461/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 29%
$512,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 47%
$1,747/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 47%
967,862
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $858/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $10,296/year.

Median household income is $26,242/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Austin or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $858/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $26,242/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 Austin or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Simi Valley details →

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