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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Waco is 64% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,098/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 129%
$51,468/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 129%
$199,600 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 278%
$1,094/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 135%
141,925
Population
125,769

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,415/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $16,980/year.

Median household income is $66,235/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Waco or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,415/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $66,235/year higher in Simi Valley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Simi Valley details →

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