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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

San Francisco is 18% more expensive than Thousand Oaks.

$2,419/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 7%
$141,446/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 5%
$1,380,500 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 31%
$2,620/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 4%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in San Francisco, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $7,079/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is San Francisco or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thousand Oaks is cheaper to live in with an index of 226 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $7,079/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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