Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

St. Louis is 71% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$978/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 164%
$55,279/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 143%
$185,100 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 414%
$1,013/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 169%
293,109
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,602/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $19,224/year.

Median household income is $79,088/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is St. Louis or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,602/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $79,088/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 St. Louis or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Thousand Oaks

St. Louis vs. Greensboro St. Louis vs. Lincoln St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh St. Louis vs. Jersey City St. Louis vs. Newark St. Louis vs. Anchorage 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