Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Salt Lake City is 48% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,343/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 92%
$74,925/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 79%
$495,700 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 92%
$1,394/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 96%
203,888
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,237/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $14,844/year.

Median household income is $59,442/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,237/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $59,442/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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