Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Springfield is 73% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$920/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 180%
$45,984/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 192%
$165,200 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 476%
$908/mo ↓ 67%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 200%
169,432
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,660/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $19,920/year.

Median household income is $88,383/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Springfield or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,660/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $88,383/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and California?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 Springfield details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Thousand Oaks

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward 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