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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Palmdale is 42% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,736/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 49%
$81,151/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 66%
$435,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 119%
$1,831/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 49%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $844/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $10,128/year.

Median household income is $53,216/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Palmdale or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $844/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $53,216/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 Palmdale or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Thousand Oaks

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona 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