Median rent is 55% lower in Provo ($1,152/mo vs $2,580/mo). Buying is cheaper in Provo, where the median home runs $437,100 versus $951,200. Households earn more in Thousand Oaks ($134,367 vs $62,800 a year). Taken together, Provo is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 87.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Thousand Oaks, CA.
City A
Provo, UT
City B
Thousand Oaks, CA
How much would you need to earn in Thousand Oaks, CA to maintain your standard of living from Provo, UT?
Equivalent salary in Thousand Oaks, CA
$75,015
You'd need $15 more (0% higher).
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
Provo
Utah
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 Provo — median rent of $1,152/mo versus $2,580/mo in Thousand Oaks, a 55% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Thousand Oaks: the median home is $951,200 versus $437,100 in Provo — 54% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Utah's top income tax rate is 4.65% versus 13.30% in California, so Provo is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.85% in Utah and 7.25% in California; Provo has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Provo
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
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 Provo if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,152/mo median).
Pick Provo if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Provo cheaper than Thousand Oaks?
Provo is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 87.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Provo.
How much is rent in Provo vs Thousand Oaks?
Median rent is $1,152/mo in Provo, UT and $2,580/mo in Thousand Oaks, CA. Provo, UT has the lower rent by about 55%.
Which has higher salaries — Provo or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo, UT 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 — Provo or Thousand Oaks?
Utah's top income tax rate is 4.65% and California's is 13.30%. Provo, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Thousand Oaks to match my Provo income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Provo, UT is equivalent to roughly $100,019 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