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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Surprise is 44% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,917/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 35%
$93,371/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 44%
$396,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 140%
$1,587/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 72%
149,519
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $40,996/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Surprise or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $40,996/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Thousand Oaks

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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