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

Los Angeles

California

187

Thousand Oaks

California

226

Los Angeles is 39% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,879/mo ↓ 27%

Median Rent

$2,580/mo ↑ 37%

$80,366/yr ↓ 40%

Median Income

$134,367/yr ↑ 67%

$879,500 ↓ 8%

Home Value

$951,200 ↑ 8%

$2,055/mo ↓ 25%

Owner Costs

$2,726/mo ↑ 33%

3,857,897

Population

125,676

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

13.3%

7.25%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

28.1%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $54,001/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 226 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks?

Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $701/month.

Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks?

Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $54,001/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 Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks?

It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.