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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Fontana is 35% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,733/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 49%
$98,187/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 37%
$558,500 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 70%
$1,990/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 37%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $36,180/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Fontana or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $36,180/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 Fontana or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Thousand Oaks

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester 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