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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Thousand Oaks is 95% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,580/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 34%
$134,367/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 27%
$951,200 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 49%
$2,726/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 41%
125,676
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $866/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $10,392/year.

Median household income is $35,681/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Meridian — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Meridian?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $866/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Meridian?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $35,681/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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