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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Salem is 54% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,323/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 95%
$71,900/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 87%
$382,400 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 149%
$1,440/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 89%
176,666
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,257/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $15,084/year.

Median household income is $62,467/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Salem or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,257/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $62,467/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 Salem or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 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 Salem details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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