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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Santa Rosa is 24% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,084/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 24%
$97,410/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 38%
$685,000 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 39%
$2,130/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 28%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $36,957/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $36,957/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 Rosa or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Thousand Oaks

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