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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Thousand Oaks is 197% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,580/mo ↑ 119%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 54%
$134,367/yr ↑ 160%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 62%
$951,200 ↑ 413%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 81%
$2,726/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 53%
125,676
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,400/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $16,800/year.

Median household income is $82,725/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thousand Oaks vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and Waterbury?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,400/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or Waterbury?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $82,725/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Thousand Oaks or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thousand Oaks details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

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