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

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Kent is 36% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,833/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 41%
$90,416/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 49%
$537,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 77%
$1,915/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 42%
135,015
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $43,951/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Kent or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $43,951/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Thousand Oaks

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights 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