Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

New Haven is 58% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,442/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 79%
$53,771/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 150%
$249,000 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 282%
$1,520/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 79%
132,893
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,138/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $13,656/year.

Median household income is $80,596/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is New Haven or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,138/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $80,596/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Thousand Oaks

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo 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