Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Stamford is 24% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,207/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 17%
$107,474/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 25%
$614,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 55%
$2,358/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 16%
135,806
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Stamford, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $26,893/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Stamford or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stamford is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $26,893/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/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 Stamford details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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