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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

San Bernardino is 46% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,433/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 75%
$63,988/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 84%
$384,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 96%
$1,478/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 74%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,080/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $12,960/year.

Median household income is $53,715/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Simi Valley?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,080/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $53,715/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 San Bernardino or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Simi Valley details →

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