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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Stockton is 49% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,495/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 73%
$76,851/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 75%
$412,900 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 130%
$1,555/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 75%
320,470
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,085/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $13,020/year.

Median household income is $57,516/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Stockton or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,085/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $57,516/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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