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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Modesto is 40% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,609/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 56%
$77,899/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 51%
$415,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 81%
$1,613/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 60%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $39,804/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Modesto or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $39,804/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 Modesto or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

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