Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Oxnard is 97% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,962/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 47%
$93,372/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 52%
$617,800 ↑ 346%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 78%
$1,976/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 50%
201,014
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $915/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $10,980/year.

Median household income is $48,996/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Oxnard or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Birmingham?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $915/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Birmingham?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $48,996/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Oxnard or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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