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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Waco is 68% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,098/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 135%
$51,468/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 161%
$199,600 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 377%
$1,094/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 149%
141,925
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,482/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $17,784/year.

Median household income is $82,899/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Waco or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,482/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $82,899/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Thousand Oaks

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange 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