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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Chicago is 50% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,380/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 82%
$75,134/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 57%
$315,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 139%
$1,502/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 72%
2,707,648
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,133/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $13,596/year.

Median household income is $42,569/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Chicago or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,133/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $42,569/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Simi Valley details →

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