Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Oxnard is 141% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,962/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 48%
$93,372/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 36%
$617,800 ↑ 255%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 72%
$1,976/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 50%
201,014
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $945/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $11,340/year.

Median household income is $33,207/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs McAllen — common questions

Is Oxnard or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and McAllen?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $945/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or McAllen?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $33,207/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oxnard or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View McAllen details →

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