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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Oakland is 14% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,917/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 35%
$97,369/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 38%
$924,700 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 3%
$2,164/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 26%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $36,998/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Oakland or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $36,998/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 Oakland or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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