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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Raleigh is 51% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,468/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 76%
$82,424/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 63%
$377,800 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 152%
$1,487/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 83%
470,763
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,112/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $13,344/year.

Median household income is $51,943/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Raleigh or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,112/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $51,943/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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