Cost of Living: Thousand Oaks, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Thousand Oaks and Costa Mesa have a similar cost of living.

$2,580/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 7%
$134,367/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 18%
$951,200 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 11%
$2,726/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 10%
125,676
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $24,294/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thousand Oaks is cheaper to live in with an index of 226 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $24,294/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria