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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Arlington is 10% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,275/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 13%
$140,160/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 4%
$864,800 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 10%
$2,414/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 13%
235,463
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $5,793/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Arlington or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 203 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $5,793/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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