Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona

165

Thousand Oaks

California

226

Scottsdale is 61% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,910/mo ↓ 26%

Median Rent

$2,580/mo ↑ 35%

$107,372/yr ↓ 20%

Median Income

$134,367/yr ↑ 25%

$709,900 ↓ 25%

Home Value

$951,200 ↑ 34%

$1,824/mo ↓ 33%

Owner Costs

$2,726/mo ↑ 49%

242,169

Population

125,676

Tax Comparison

2.5%

Income Tax

13.3%

5.6%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.62%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

21.3%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $26,995/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 226 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Thousand Oaks?

Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $670/month.

Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Thousand Oaks?

Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $26,995/year higher in Thousand Oaks.

How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?

Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Scottsdale or Thousand Oaks?

It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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.