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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Philadelphia is 62% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,323/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 95%
$60,698/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 121%
$232,400 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 309%
$1,233/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 121%
1,582,432
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,257/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $15,084/year.

Median household income is $73,669/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,257/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $73,669/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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