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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

San Jose is 12% more expensive than Thousand Oaks.

$2,617/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↓ 1%
$141,565/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 5%
$1,187,800 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 20%
$2,775/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↓ 2%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,198/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $7,198/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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