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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Fremont is 23% more expensive than Thousand Oaks.

$2,905/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↓ 11%
$176,350/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 24%
$1,289,400 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 26%
$3,000/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↓ 9%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Thousand Oaks, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $41,983/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Fremont or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thousand Oaks is cheaper to live in with an index of 226 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $41,983/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Thousand Oaks

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah 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