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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Houston is 61% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,313/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 96%
$62,894/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 114%
$253,400 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 275%
$1,316/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 107%
2,300,419
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,267/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $15,204/year.

Median household income is $71,473/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Houston or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,267/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $71,473/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Thousand Oaks

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio 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