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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Scottsdale is 18% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,910/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 32%
$107,372/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 10%
$709,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 6%
$1,824/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 41%
242,169
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $10,331/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $10,331/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Simi Valley details →

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