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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Lakewood is 38% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,746/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 48%
$85,789/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 57%
$548,200 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 74%
$1,729/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 58%
156,309
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $834/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $10,008/year.

Median household income is $48,578/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Lakewood or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $834/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $48,578/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Thousand Oaks

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield 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