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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Durham is 54% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,412/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 83%
$79,234/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 70%
$355,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 168%
$1,434/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 90%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,168/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $14,016/year.

Median household income is $55,133/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Durham or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,168/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $55,133/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 Durham or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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