Cost of Living: Thousand Oaks, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Thousand Oaks is 87% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,580/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 40%
$134,367/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 40%
$951,200 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 54%
$2,726/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 40%
125,676
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,028/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $12,336/year.

Median household income is $53,278/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $1,028/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $53,278/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Ann Arbor

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 Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford