Cost of Living: Thousand Oaks, CA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Thousand Oaks is 232% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,580/mo ↑ 173%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 63%
$134,367/yr ↑ 144%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 59%
$951,200 ↑ 338%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 77%
$2,726/mo ↑ 180%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 64%
125,676
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,634/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $19,608/year.

Median household income is $79,191/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,634/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $79,191/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and New Mexico?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria