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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Gilbert is 35% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,028/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 27%
$121,351/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 11%
$518,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 83%
$1,908/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 43%
271,118
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $13,016/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Gilbert or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $13,016/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Thousand Oaks

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo 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