Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Oxnard, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Chicago is 37% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,380/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 42%
$75,134/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 24%
$315,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 96%
$1,502/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 32%
2,707,648
Population
201,014

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $18,238/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Chicago or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Oxnard?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Oxnard?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $18,238/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Oxnard details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Oxnard

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Oxnard vs. Augusta Oxnard vs. Amarillo Oxnard vs. McKinney Oxnard vs. Tallahassee Oxnard vs. Little Rock Oxnard vs. Birmingham