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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Surprise is 37% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,917/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 31%
$93,371/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 26%
$396,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 90%
$1,587/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 62%
149,519
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $596/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $7,152/year.

Median household income is $24,332/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Surprise or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $596/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $24,332/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Simi Valley

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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