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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Lakewood is 30% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,746/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 44%
$85,789/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 37%
$548,200 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 37%
$1,729/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 49%
156,309
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

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $31,914/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Lakewood or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $31,914/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 Lakewood or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Simi Valley details →

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