Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Anchorage is 50% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,453/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 78%
$98,152/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 37%
$375,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 153%
$1,698/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 61%
289,069
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,127/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $13,524/year.

Median household income is $36,215/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Anchorage or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,127/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $36,215/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and California?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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.
View Anchorage details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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