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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Thousand Oaks is 143% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,580/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 49%
$134,367/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 35%
$951,200 ↑ 231%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 70%
$2,726/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 51%
125,676
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,264/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $15,168/year.

Median household income is $46,600/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Rochester — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Rochester?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,264/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Rochester?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $46,600/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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