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

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Simi Valley is 20% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,513/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 13%
$117,703/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 13%
$753,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 21%
$2,576/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 14%
125,769
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $15,382/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Fairfield?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Fairfield?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $15,382/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Simi Valley details → View Fairfield details →

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