Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Columbia is 65% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,158/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 123%
$55,653/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 141%
$243,500 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 291%
$1,169/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 133%
138,019
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,422/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $17,064/year.

Median household income is $78,714/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Columbia or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,422/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $78,714/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and California?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/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 Columbia details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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