Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Abilene is 155% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,106/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 133%
$62,720/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 114%
$178,900 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 432%
$1,114/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 145%
127,130
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,474/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $17,688/year.

Median household income is $71,647/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Abilene or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,474/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $71,647/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Abilene or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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