Median rent is 31% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $2,580/mo). Buying is cheaper in New York, where the median home runs $751,700 versus $951,200. Households earn more in Thousand Oaks ($134,367 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Thousand Oaks is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 113.0 — about 23% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Quick verdict
Thousand Oaks is 23% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Thousand Oaks vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Thousand Oaks, CA
How much would you need to earn in Thousand Oaks, CA to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Thousand Oaks, CA
$57,972
You could earn $17,028 less (23% 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
New York
New York
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 New York — median rent of $1,779/mo versus $2,580/mo in Thousand Oaks, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Thousand Oaks: the median home is $951,200 versus $751,700 in New York — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 13.30% in California, so New York is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 7.25% in California; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Thousand Oaks
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Thousand Oaks.
Pick Thousand Oaks if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.3 vs 113.0).
Pick Thousand Oaks if you prioritize higher median household income ($134,367/yr).
Pick New York if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,779/mo median).
Pick New York if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.90%).
Is New York cheaper than Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 23% lower in Thousand Oaks.
How much is rent in New York vs Thousand Oaks?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $2,580/mo in Thousand Oaks, CA. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY 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 — New York or Thousand Oaks?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and California's is 13.30%. New York, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Thousand Oaks to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $77,297 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