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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Austin is 41% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,655/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 56%
$91,461/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 47%
$512,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 86%
$1,747/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 56%
967,862
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $925/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $11,100/year.

Median household income is $42,906/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Austin or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $925/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $42,906/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 Austin or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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