Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

New Orleans is 60% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,211/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 113%
$55,339/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 143%
$296,400 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 221%
$1,274/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 114%
376,035
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,369/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $16,428/year.

Median household income is $79,028/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is New Orleans or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,369/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $79,028/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 Orleans details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Thousand Oaks

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim 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