Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Oxnard, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Bakersfield is 35% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,371/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 43%
$77,397/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 21%
$347,300 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 78%
$1,540/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 28%
408,366
Population
201,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $15,975/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Oxnard?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Oxnard?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $15,975/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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.
View Bakersfield details → View Oxnard details →

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