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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Modesto is 25% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,609/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 22%
$77,899/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 20%
$415,600 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 49%
$1,613/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 23%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $15,473/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Modesto or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Oxnard?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Oxnard?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $15,473/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Modesto or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Oxnard details →

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