Median rent is 62% lower in Huntsville ($981/mo vs $2,580/mo). Buying is cheaper in Huntsville, where the median home runs $225,800 versus $951,200. Households earn more in Thousand Oaks ($134,367 vs $45,401 a year). Taken together, Thousand Oaks is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 88.3 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Quick verdict
Thousand Oaks is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Thousand Oaks vs 88.3 in Huntsville (US average = 100)
City A
Huntsville, TX
City B
Thousand Oaks, CA
How much would you need to earn in Thousand Oaks, CA to maintain your standard of living from Huntsville, TX?
Equivalent salary in Thousand Oaks, CA
$74,161
You could earn $839 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Huntsville
Texas
Thousand Oaks
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Huntsville — median rent of $981/mo versus $2,580/mo in Thousand Oaks, a 62% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Thousand Oaks: the median home is $951,200 versus $225,800 in Huntsville — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Huntsville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Huntsville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Thousand Oaks
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Thousand Oaks if you prioritize higher median household income ($134,367/yr).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($981/mo median).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Huntsville cheaper than Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 88.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Thousand Oaks.
How much is rent in Huntsville vs Thousand Oaks?
Median rent is $981/mo in Huntsville, TX and $2,580/mo in Thousand Oaks, CA. Huntsville, TX has the lower rent by about 62%.
Which has higher salaries — Huntsville or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $45,401 in Huntsville, TX and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks, CA. Thousand Oaks, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Huntsville or Thousand Oaks?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Thousand Oaks to match my Huntsville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Huntsville, TX is equivalent to roughly $98,881 in Thousand Oaks, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology