Cost of Living: Santa Clara, CA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Santa Clara is 36% more expensive than Thousand Oaks.

$2,985/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↓ 14%
$173,670/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 23%
$1,527,900 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 38%
$3,051/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↓ 11%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Thousand Oaks, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $39,303/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Santa Clara 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 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $39,303/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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