Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia

173

Thousand Oaks

California

226

Alexandria is 53% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,031/mo ↓ 21%

Median Rent

$2,580/mo ↑ 27%

$113,638/yr ↓ 15%

Median Income

$134,367/yr ↑ 18%

$696,800 ↓ 27%

Home Value

$951,200 ↑ 37%

$2,173/mo ↓ 20%

Owner Costs

$2,726/mo ↑ 25%

156,788

Population

125,676

Tax Comparison

5.75%

Income Tax

13.3%

5.3%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.8%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

21.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $20,729/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Alexandria or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 226 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Thousand Oaks?

Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $549/month.

Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Thousand Oaks?

Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $20,729/year higher in Thousand Oaks.

How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?

Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Alexandria or Thousand Oaks?

It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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.