Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Oxnard is 51% more expensive than Salem.

$1,962/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 33%
$93,372/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 23%
$617,800 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 38%
$1,976/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 27%
201,014
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $639/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $7,668/year.

Median household income is $21,472/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Salem — common questions

Is Oxnard or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Salem?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $639/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Salem?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $21,472/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Oxnard or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Salem details →

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