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

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Simi Valley is 115% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,513/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 48%
$117,703/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 25%
$753,500 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 62%
$2,576/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 48%
125,769
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,197/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $14,364/year.

Median household income is $29,936/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Rochester — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Rochester?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,197/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Rochester?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $29,936/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Simi Valley or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Simi Valley details → View Rochester details →

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