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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Chicago is 56% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,380/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 87%
$75,134/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 79%
$315,200 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 202%
$1,502/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 81%
2,707,648
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

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,200/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $14,400/year.

Median household income is $59,233/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Chicago or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,200/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $59,233/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 Chicago or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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