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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

San Bernardino is 52% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,433/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 80%
$63,988/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 110%
$384,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 147%
$1,478/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 84%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $70,379/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $70,379/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 San Bernardino or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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