Cost of Living: Oxnard, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Oxnard is 26% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,962/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 2%
$93,372/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$93,371/yr ≈ Same
$617,800 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 36%
$1,976/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 20%
201,014
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Surprise — common questions

Is Oxnard or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Surprise?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Surprise?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $1/year higher in Oxnard.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Oxnard or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oxnard details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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