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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Newark is 56% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,330/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 94%
$48,416/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 178%
$337,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 182%
$1,419/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 92%
307,188
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,250/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $15,000/year.

Median household income is $85,951/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Newark or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,250/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $85,951/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis 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