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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Garland is 52% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,525/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 65%
$74,717/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 58%
$248,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 203%
$1,445/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 78%
245,298
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $988/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $11,856/year.

Median household income is $42,986/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Garland or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $988/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $42,986/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Simi Valley

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington 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