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

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Simi Valley is 12% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,513/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 3%
$117,703/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 14%
$753,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 26%
$2,576/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 6%
125,769
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Simi Valley, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $16,664/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Simi Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $16,664/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Simi Valley details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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