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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Fresno is 50% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,324/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 90%
$66,804/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 76%
$348,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 116%
$1,391/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 85%
543,615
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,189/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $14,268/year.

Median household income is $50,899/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Fresno or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,189/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $50,899/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 Fresno or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Simi Valley details →

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