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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Norfolk is 61% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,246/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 107%
$64,017/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 110%
$271,900 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 250%
$1,366/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 100%
235,037
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,334/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $16,008/year.

Median household income is $70,350/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Norfolk or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,334/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $70,350/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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