Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Oxnard, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Mesa is 33% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,478/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 33%
$78,779/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 19%
$364,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 70%
$1,404/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 41%
507,478
Population
201,014

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $14,593/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Mesa or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Oxnard?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Oxnard?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $14,593/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Oxnard details →

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