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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Irvine is 61% more expensive than Oxnard.

$2,893/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↓ 32%
$129,647/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↓ 28%
$1,115,400 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$617,800 ↓ 45%
$2,904/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↓ 32%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $931/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $11,172/year.

Median household income is $36,275/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Irvine or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Oxnard?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $931/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Oxnard?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $36,275/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Oxnard details →

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