Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Oxnard, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Durham is 34% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,412/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 39%
$79,234/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 18%
$355,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 74%
$1,434/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 38%
288,465
Population
201,014

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $14,138/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Durham or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Oxnard?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Oxnard?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $14,138/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Oxnard details →

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