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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Mesa is 53% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,478/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 75%
$78,779/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 71%
$364,300 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 161%
$1,404/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 94%
507,478
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,102/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $13,224/year.

Median household income is $55,588/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Mesa or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,102/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $55,588/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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