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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Santa Clara is 54% more expensive than Simi Valley.

$2,985/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↓ 16%
$173,670/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↓ 32%
$1,527,900 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$753,500 ↓ 51%
$3,051/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↓ 16%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Simi Valley, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $55,967/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Santa Clara 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 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $55,967/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Simi Valley details →

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