Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Birmingham is 73% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,047/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 146%
$44,376/yr ↓ 67%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 203%
$138,600 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 586%
$991/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 175%
199,322
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,533/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $18,396/year.

Median household income is $89,991/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Birmingham or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,533/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $89,991/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Thousand Oaks

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery 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