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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Irvine is 13% more expensive than Thousand Oaks.

$2,893/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↓ 11%
$129,647/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 4%
$1,115,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 15%
$2,904/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↓ 6%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Thousand Oaks, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $4,720/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $4,720/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 Irvine or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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