Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Denver is 35% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,770/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 46%
$91,681/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 47%
$586,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 62%
$1,839/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 48%
713,734
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $42,686/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Denver or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $42,686/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Thousand Oaks

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso 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