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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Ventura

California
183

Thousand Oaks is 23% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,580/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 19%
$134,367/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 25%
$951,200 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 18%
$2,726/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 22%
125,676
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $33,960/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Ventura — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Ventura?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Ventura?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $33,960/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and Ventura

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 Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley