Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Simi Valley, CA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

St. Paul is 55% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,248/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 101%
$73,055/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 61%
$280,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 169%
$1,390/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 85%
307,762
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,265/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $15,180/year.

Median household income is $44,648/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is St. Paul or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Simi Valley?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,265/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $44,648/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Simi Valley

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro 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