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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

San Diego is 13% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,223/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 16%
$104,321/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 29%
$848,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 12%
$2,308/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 18%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in San Diego, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $30,046/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is San Diego or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $30,046/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 Diego or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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