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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Tempe is 47% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,623/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 59%
$77,643/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 73%
$421,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 125%
$1,554/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 75%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $56,724/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Tempe or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $56,724/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 Tempe or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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