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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Richmond is 57% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,314/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 96%
$62,671/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 114%
$328,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 190%
$1,374/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 98%
227,595
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,266/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $15,192/year.

Median household income is $71,696/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Richmond or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,266/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $71,696/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino 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