Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Elk Grove is 26% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,180/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 18%
$122,229/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 10%
$603,400 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 58%
$2,227/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 22%
177,221
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $12,138/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $12,138/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Thousand Oaks

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem 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