Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Oxnard is 50% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,962/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 26%
$93,372/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 42%
$617,800 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 46%
$1,976/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 21%
201,014
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $39,606/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Paterson — common questions

Is Oxnard or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Paterson?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Paterson?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $39,606/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Oxnard or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oxnard and Paterson

Oxnard vs. Augusta Oxnard vs. Amarillo Oxnard vs. McKinney Oxnard vs. Tallahassee Oxnard vs. Little Rock Oxnard vs. Birmingham Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon