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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Thousand Oaks is 147% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,580/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 51%
$134,367/yr ↑ 152%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 60%
$951,200 ↑ 404%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 80%
$2,726/mo ↑ 119%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 54%
125,676
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,311/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $15,732/year.

Median household income is $80,964/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Allentown — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Allentown?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,311/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Allentown?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $80,964/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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