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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Lancaster is 38% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,696/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 48%
$76,083/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 55%
$409,100 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 84%
$1,746/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 48%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $41,620/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Lancaster or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $41,620/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 Lancaster or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Simi Valley

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale 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