Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Elizabeth is 50% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,463/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 76%
$63,874/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 110%
$393,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 142%
$1,543/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 77%
135,887
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,117/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $13,404/year.

Median household income is $70,493/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,117/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $70,493/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Thousand Oaks

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland 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