Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Cary is 40% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,621/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 59%
$129,399/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 4%
$525,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 81%
$1,744/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 56%
176,686
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $959/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $11,508/year.

Median household income is $4,968/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Cary or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $959/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $4,968/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Cary or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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