Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Oxnard, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Boston is 11% more expensive than Oxnard.

$2,093/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↓ 6%
$94,755/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↓ 1%
$710,400 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$617,800 ↓ 13%
$2,176/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↓ 9%
663,972
Population
201,014

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $1,383/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Boston or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Oxnard?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Oxnard?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $1,383/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Oxnard details →

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