Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Oxnard is 8% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,962/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 6%
$93,372/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 4%
$617,800 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 11%
$1,976/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 8%
201,014
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $4,038/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Oxnard or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $4,038/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Santa Rosa details →

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