Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Aurora is 56% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,535/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 68%
$90,109/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 49%
$260,400 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 265%
$1,591/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 71%
179,867
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,045/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $12,540/year.

Median household income is $44,258/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Aurora or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,045/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $44,258/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/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 Aurora details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Thousand Oaks

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian