Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Oxnard, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Albuquerque is 79% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,085/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 81%
$65,604/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 42%
$266,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 132%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 72%
562,488
Population
201,014

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $27,768/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Oxnard?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Oxnard?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $27,768/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with rent of $1,962/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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