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

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Simi Valley is 12% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,513/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 5%
$117,703/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 6%
$753,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 40%
$2,576/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 4%
125,769
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $7,630/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Simi Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $7,630/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 Simi Valley or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Simi Valley details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Simi Valley and Costa Mesa

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