Modesto, CA vs Thousand Oaks, CA

The cost of living difference between Modesto, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA is dramatic. Modesto is 39% cheaper than Thousand Oaks, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Modesto has a cost index of 120 while Thousand Oaks sits at 196, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month compared to $2,580/month in Thousand Oaks — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $951,200.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $134,367 in Thousand Oaks (-42%). While Thousand Oaks is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Modesto spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, more than the 23% in Thousand Oaks.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.1°F vs 62.5°F). Modesto receives more rainfall at 12.3" per year compared to 12" in Thousand Oaks.