Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Oxnard is 31% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,962/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 21%
$93,372/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 13%
$617,800 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 30%
$1,976/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 17%
201,014
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $12,283/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Oxnard or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $12,283/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Oxnard or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Ann Arbor details →

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