Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

St. Paul is 60% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,248/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 107%
$73,055/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 84%
$280,300 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 239%
$1,390/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 96%
307,762
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,332/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $15,984/year.

Median household income is $61,312/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making St. Paul slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is St. Paul or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,332/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $61,312/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro 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