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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Modesto is 47% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,609/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 60%
$77,899/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 72%
$415,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 129%
$1,613/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 69%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $971/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $11,652/year.

Median household income is $56,468/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Modesto or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $971/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $56,468/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 Modesto or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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