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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Pasadena is 10% more expensive than Simi Valley.

$2,218/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 13%
$103,778/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 13%
$1,045,000 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$753,500 ↓ 28%
$2,340/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 10%
136,462
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $13,925/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Pasadena or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Simi Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $13,925/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 Pasadena or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Simi Valley details →

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