Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Oxnard is 77% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,962/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 36%
$93,372/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 5%
$617,800 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 59%
$1,976/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 24%
201,014
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $5,056/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Elgin — common questions

Is Oxnard or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Elgin?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Elgin?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $5,056/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Oxnard or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oxnard and Elgin

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