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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Santa Clarita is 13% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,486/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 4%
$119,926/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 12%
$721,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 32%
$2,649/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 3%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Santa Clarita, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $14,441/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $14,441/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 Santa Clarita or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian