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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Lincoln is 66% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,045/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 147%
$69,991/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 92%
$248,200 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 283%
$1,140/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 139%
291,932
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,535/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $18,420/year.

Median household income is $64,376/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Lincoln slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Lincoln or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,535/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $64,376/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and California?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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