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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Tacoma is 44% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,597/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 62%
$83,857/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 60%
$454,600 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 109%
$1,747/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 56%
220,482
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $50,510/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Tacoma or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $983/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $50,510/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tacoma and Thousand Oaks

Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville 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