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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Fresno is 55% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,324/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 95%
$66,804/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 101%
$348,500 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 173%
$1,391/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 96%
543,615
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,256/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $15,072/year.

Median household income is $67,563/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Fresno or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,256/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $67,563/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 Fresno or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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