Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Simi Valley, CA (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Fort Collins is 32% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,661/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 51%
$83,598/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 41%
$548,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 37%
$1,692/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 52%
169,705
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $852/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $10,224/year.

Median household income is $34,105/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $852/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $34,105/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Simi Valley

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Simi Valley vs. Pearland Simi Valley vs. Thousand Oaks Simi Valley vs. Topeka Simi Valley vs. Allentown Simi Valley vs. Athens Simi Valley vs. Palm Bay