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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Portland is 39% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,596/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 62%
$88,792/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 51%
$557,600 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 71%
$1,771/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 54%
642,715
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $984/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $11,808/year.

Median household income is $45,575/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Portland or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $984/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $45,575/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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