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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Fort Collins is 39% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,661/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 55%
$83,598/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 61%
$548,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 73%
$1,692/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 61%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $50,769/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $50,769/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 Fort Collins or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Thousand Oaks

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas 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