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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Fontana is 27% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,733/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 45%
$98,187/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 20%
$558,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 35%
$1,990/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 29%
211,921
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $19,516/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Fontana or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $19,516/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 Fontana or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Simi Valley details →

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