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

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Oxnard is 30% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,962/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 22%
$93,372/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 18%
$617,800 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 71%
$1,976/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 25%
201,014
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $16,701/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Oxnard or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $16,701/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Costa Mesa details →

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