Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Seattle is 13% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,998/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 29%
$121,984/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 10%
$912,100 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 4%
$2,220/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 23%
741,440
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $12,383/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Seattle or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $12,383/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Thousand Oaks

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville 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