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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Santa Clarita is 2% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$2,486/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 1%
$119,926/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↓ 2%
$721,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 5%
$2,649/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↓ 3%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,223/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $2,223/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

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