Salary And Cost Of Living In Westlake CA

Westlake, CA — often referred to as Westlake Village and including nearby Westlake areas of Thousand Oaks — is a highly desirable community on the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. Known for its picturesque lake, master‑planned neighborhoods, and proximity to both the Conejo Valley and the San Fernando Valley, Westlake offers an exceptional lifestyle. However, with this quality of life comes a relatively high cost of living. This article provides a detailed look at average salary, cost of living, housing prices and rents, best neighborhoods, and schools in Westlake, CA to help residents, job seekers, and potential homebuyers make informed decisions.

Average Salary In Westlake CA

Because Westlake, CA combines professional office parks, financial services, healthcare, and hospitality with affluent residential communities, earnings tend to be higher than the national average. Many residents commute to nearby employment hubs such as Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, and greater Los Angeles, which further elevates income levels.

While specific salaries vary by industry and experience, household incomes in Westlake are generally well above both California and U.S. medians. Professionals in finance, biotech, medical services, and executive management often command six‑figure incomes, which helps offset the area’s premium housing and living costs.

Below is an illustrative overview of typical earnings in and around Westlake, CA. These figures are approximate and intended to give a general sense of the local income landscape.

Income Measure – Westlake CA	Approximate Annual Amount
Median Individual Salary	$65,000 – $80,000
Median Household Income	$120,000 – $150,000
Common Professional Salaries (Mid‑Career)	$90,000 – $160,000
Entry‑Level Professional Roles	$50,000 – $70,000

Key takeaway: To live comfortably in Westlake, CA, many individuals and families aim for incomes that are notably higher than the nationwide averages, especially if they intend to purchase a home rather than rent.

Cost Of Living In Westlake CA

The cost of living in Westlake, CA is significantly higher than the national average, driven mainly by housing, transportation, and services. However, many residents feel that the cost is justified by the area’s safety, amenities, and top‑rated schools. When evaluating a move to Westlake, it is helpful to compare common expense categories to both national and California norms.

Cost Category	Westlake CA Index*	US Average Index = 100
Overall Cost Of Living	165 – 185	100
Housing	220 – 260	100
Groceries	110 – 120	100
Transportation	120 – 130	100
Healthcare	105 – 115	100
Utilities	95 – 105	100

*Index values are illustrative and rounded to show relative differences; actual costs will vary.

In practical terms, a household relocating from a lower‑cost region of the country can expect most routine expenses to rise, especially rent or mortgage payments and transportation. However, the presence of nearby shopping, parks, medical centers, and professional services in Westlake, CA can reduce time spent traveling to surrounding communities, adding non‑financial quality‑of‑life value.

Average Home Values And Rents In Westlake CA

Residential real estate is the largest single driver of the cost of living in Westlake, CA. The community features everything from lakefront estates and country‑club properties to well‑maintained townhomes and upscale apartments. As a result, home values and monthly rents in Westlake are well above statewide averages, reflecting not only the homes themselves but also the highly rated local schools and amenities.

Housing Metric – Westlake CA	Approximate Amount
Median Single‑Family Home Value	$1,100,000 – $1,400,000
Typical Townhome / Condo Value	$700,000 – $950,000
Average Monthly Rent (1‑Bedroom Apartment)	$2,400 – $2,900
Average Monthly Rent (2‑Bedroom Apartment)	$2,900 – $3,600
Average Monthly Rent (Single‑Family Home)	$4,000 – $6,000+

Because the Westlake, CA housing market is competitive, buyers and renters should be prepared with financing pre‑approvals and a clear budget. Working with an experienced local real estate agent who understands specific neighborhoods, school boundaries, and HOA communities can be especially valuable. Those who prioritize walkability, lake access, or proximity to top Westlake schools may pay a premium but gain long‑term lifestyle benefits.

Best Neighborhoods In Westlake CA

One of the strengths of Westlake, CA is the variety of neighborhoods available within a relatively compact area. From golf‑course living to lakefront homes, each enclave offers its own character, amenities, and price range. Below is an overview of several popular neighborhoods in and around Westlake, CA.

Neighborhood – Westlake CA	General Characteristics
Westlake Island	Exclusive gated community with lakefront and dock‑access homes; premium pricing; serene views and strong appeal for luxury buyers seeking privacy.
North Ranch (Greater Westlake Area)	Upscale golf‑course community in nearby Thousand Oaks with large estates, mature landscaping, and country‑club amenities; popular among executives and professionals.
First Neighborhood (Original Westlake Village Core)	Master‑planned with greenbelts, walkable streets, and close proximity to schools and community amenities; strong demand from families.
Three Springs	Primarily single‑family homes on larger lots; convenient to parks and hiking trails; offers a balance of privacy and community atmosphere.
Lakeshore / Cove Communities	Townhomes and single‑family homes near the lake, often with HOA‑maintained common areas and pools; attractive for those seeking lake‑adjacent living without full estate‑home costs.

Across these neighborhoods, residents benefit from well‑maintained common areas, nearby shopping centers, and convenient freeway access. When exploring Westlake, CA neighborhoods, prospective residents should consider school zoning, HOA dues, commute times, and proximity to lifestyle amenities such as trails, parks, and the lake itself.

Schools And Education In Westlake CA

For many families, the quality of schools in Westlake, CA is a primary reason to move to the area. Westlake is served by highly regarded public school districts, including Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) and Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD), depending on the exact neighborhood and county line. In addition, multiple private and independent schools serve the broader community.

While school boundaries and ratings may change over time, the following table provides an overview of some of the notable Westlake, CA schools.

School – Westlake CA Area	Type	General Reputation
Westlake High School	Public (CVUSD)	Highly rated for academics, athletics, and arts; strong college‑prep programs and a wide array of AP and extracurricular offerings.
Agoura High School (Nearby)	Public (LVUSD)	Another well‑regarded high school serving parts of the broader Westlake area; strong academics and student activities.
Colina Middle School / Los Cerritos Middle School	Public (CVUSD)	Popular middle schools known for supportive environments and preparation for Westlake High School.
Westlake Elementary / White Oak Elementary / Local Elementaries	Public (CVUSD & LVUSD)	Well‑rated elementary options emphasizing foundational skills, enrichment, and community involvement.
Oaks Christian School / Private Academies	Private	Private K‑12 and specialty schools offering faith‑based education, advanced coursework, or specific educational philosophies.

Families relocating to Westlake, CA often prioritize being within specific school attendance boundaries. Because zoning can shift and some programs have limited capacity, it is wise to verify current school assignments directly with the districts or schools before finalizing a home purchase or lease.

Living In Westlake CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

In summary, Westlake, CA offers a high‑quality lifestyle with correspondingly high housing and living costs. Average salaries and household incomes tend to be higher than both state and national benchmarks, which helps support the area’s elevated real estate prices and everyday expenses. Local professionals enjoy convenient access to major employment centers, while families appreciate the top‑tier public and private schools, low crime rates, and abundance of parks, trails, and lakefront recreation.

When evaluating a move to Westlake, CA, consider the following points:

• Align your expected salary or earning potential with typical housing costs and HOA dues.

• Research neighborhoods in Westlake, CA based on school priorities, commuting patterns, and lifestyle preferences like lake access or golf‑course proximity.

• Factor in the higher cost of living for groceries, transportation, and services compared to many other parts of the country.

• Explore both homeownership and rental options to determine which best suits your financial plan and long‑term goals.

With careful financial planning and a clear understanding of local costs, many residents find that the investment in living in Westlake, CA pays off in terms of safety, community atmosphere, educational opportunities, and overall quality of life.