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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Bakersfield is 48% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,371/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 83%
$77,397/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 52%
$347,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 117%
$1,540/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 67%
408,366
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,142/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $13,704/year.

Median household income is $40,306/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,142/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $40,306/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Bakersfield or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Simi Valley details →

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