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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Thousand Oaks is 65% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,580/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 29%
$134,367/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 37%
$951,200 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 50%
$2,726/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 34%
125,676
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $49,750/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $49,750/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Santa Maria

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 Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton