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

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Oxnard is 37% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,962/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 36%
$93,372/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 49%
$617,800 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 87%
$1,976/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 42%
201,014
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $45,954/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Oxnard or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $45,954/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Oxnard or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Carlsbad details →

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