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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Tempe is 40% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,623/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 55%
$77,643/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 52%
$421,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 79%
$1,554/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 66%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $40,060/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Tempe or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $40,060/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 Tempe or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Simi Valley details →

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