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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Thousand Oaks is 29% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,580/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↓ 10%
$134,367/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 18%
$951,200 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 36%
$2,726/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↓ 13%
125,676
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Murrieta, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $24,587/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Murrieta?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Murrieta?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $24,587/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Murrieta

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 Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett