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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Sunnyvale is 51% more expensive than Thousand Oaks.

$3,065/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↓ 16%
$181,862/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 26%
$1,816,600 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$951,200 ↓ 48%
$3,016/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↓ 10%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Thousand Oaks, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $47,495/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thousand Oaks is cheaper to live in with an index of 226 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $47,495/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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