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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Downey

California
169

Thousand Oaks is 34% more expensive than Downey.

$2,580/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 27%
$134,367/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 35%
$951,200 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 23%
$2,726/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 27%
125,676
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $688/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $8,256/year.

Median household income is $46,967/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Downey — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Downey?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $688/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Downey?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $46,967/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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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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 Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens