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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Thousand Oaks is 151% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,580/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 51%
$134,367/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 34%
$951,200 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 73%
$2,726/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 45%
125,676
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,320/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $15,840/year.

Median household income is $46,051/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Elgin — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Elgin?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,320/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Elgin?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $46,051/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Elgin

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 Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont