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

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Simi Valley is 46% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,513/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 27%
$117,703/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 28%
$753,500 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 37%
$2,576/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 31%
125,769
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $33,086/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $33,086/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Simi Valley details → View Santa Maria details →

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