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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Pasadena is 3% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,218/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 16%
$103,778/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 29%
$1,045,000 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 9%
$2,340/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 16%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $30,589/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Pasadena or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 220 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $30,589/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 Pasadena or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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