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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Fullerton is 2% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$2,124/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 18%
$104,219/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 13%
$859,600 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$753,500 ↓ 12%
$2,251/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 14%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $13,484/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Fullerton or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $13,484/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 Fullerton or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Simi Valley details →

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