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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Thousand Oaks is 194% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,580/mo ↑ 142%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 59%
$134,367/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 54%
$951,200 ↑ 279%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 74%
$2,726/mo ↑ 158%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 61%
125,676
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,515/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $18,180/year.

Median household income is $72,913/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Lafayette?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,515/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Lafayette?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $72,913/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Lafayette

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 Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield