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

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Ventura

California
183

Simi Valley is 9% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,513/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 16%
$117,703/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 15%
$753,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 3%
$2,576/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 18%
125,769
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $17,296/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Ventura — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Ventura?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Ventura?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $17,296/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Simi Valley details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Simi Valley and Ventura

Simi Valley vs. Pearland Simi Valley vs. Thousand Oaks Simi Valley vs. Topeka Simi Valley vs. Allentown Simi Valley vs. Athens Simi Valley vs. Palm Bay Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley