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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Glendale is 49% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,397/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 80%
$70,139/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 68%
$347,000 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 117%
$1,356/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 90%
250,193
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,116/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $13,392/year.

Median household income is $47,564/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Glendale or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,116/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $47,564/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Simi Valley

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