Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Boston is 22% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,093/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 23%
$94,755/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 42%
$710,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 34%
$2,176/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 25%
663,972
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $39,612/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Boston or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $39,612/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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