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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Thousand Oaks is 176% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,580/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 50%
$134,367/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 55%
$951,200 ↑ 315%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 76%
$2,726/mo ↑ 137%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 58%
125,676
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,281/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $15,372/year.

Median household income is $73,420/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Lakeland?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $1,281/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Lakeland?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $73,420/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Lakeland

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 Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon