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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Lancaster is 45% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,696/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 52%
$76,083/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 77%
$409,100 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 133%
$1,746/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 56%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $58,284/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Lancaster or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $58,284/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 Lancaster or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Thousand Oaks

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale 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