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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Pasadena is 66% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,201/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 115%
$64,270/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 109%
$193,600 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 391%
$1,141/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 139%
149,345
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,379/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $16,548/year.

Median household income is $70,097/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

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 76 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,379/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $70,097/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 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 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Thousand Oaks

Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport 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