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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Fullerton is 14% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,124/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 21%
$104,219/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 29%
$859,600 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 11%
$2,251/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 21%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $30,148/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Fullerton or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $30,148/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 Fullerton or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Thousand Oaks

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren 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