Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Thousand Oaks, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 33.6% cheaper than Thousand Oaks, CA. This translates to saving $2517 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Thousand Oaks, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Thousand Oaks, CA, you'd need approximately $119,794.521 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Thousand Oaks, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 53.4% cheaper than in Thousand Oaks, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,970/month in Thousand Oaks, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Thousand Oaks, CA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Thousand Oaks, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2517 per month, or $30205 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Thousand Oaks, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Thousand Oaks, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Thousand Oaks, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 33.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,517

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Thousand Oaks, CA

Population:123K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$987K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$512K

Thousand Oaks, CA

The Golden State

123K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 123K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Thousand Oaks, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Thousand Oaks, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,301/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,833less	53.4%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $268less	13.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$959/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.4%

Thousand Oaks, CA

$5,301

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,833

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

Thousand Oaks, CA

$2,158

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

📦Other

↓ 13.6%

Thousand Oaks, CA

$1,975

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$268

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

Thousand Oaks, CA

$1,039

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Thousand Oaks, CA

$551

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Thousand Oaks, CA

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,200

To$1,570

↓ $630

1 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,640

↓ $840

2 Bed

From$2,970

To$1,800

↓ $1,170

3 Bed

From$4,030

To$2,255

↓ $1,775

Thousand Oaks, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,480–$2,480/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,583

Monthly in Thousand Oaks, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,016

Difference

Home Values

Thousand Oaks

Raleigh

$987K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +30%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$987K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 48% less expensive than Thousand Oaks

Calculate payment - Thousand Oaks Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Thousand Oaks, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Thousand Oaks, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.