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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Sacramento is 42% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,694/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 52%
$83,753/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 60%
$484,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 96%
$1,752/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 56%
524,802
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $50,614/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Sacramento or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $50,614/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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