SimCity is predominantly a single-player game (the exceptions being a 'Network Edition' of SimCity 2000, and a Unix port of the original SimCity). The player may also make deals with neighbouring cities to sell or buy services, as long as a connection is made to the neighbor for that service (this feature was introduced in SimCity 3000).

Legalizing gambling and placing certain 'special' buildings (such as military bases or federal prisons) can generate income as well. The primary source of income is taxation, which can be altered by one percent increments in all versions up to SimCity 3000, and by tenths of a percent in SimCity 4. Inadequate funding of these services can lead to strikes.Ĭities must also provide basic utilities, namely electricity, water and (in SimCity 3000 and SimCity 4) waste management. These come in the form of different buildings, where each building covers a circular 'range' of service. The player must supply the citizens services, which include health, education, safety, parks and leisure. As the city matures, the player may get to place government and other special buildings (such as a mayor's house or courthouse), depending on how large the city is.

The player (acting as mayor) is given a blank map to begin and must expand the city with the budget provided.