Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Oxnard, CA (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Oxnard

California
159

San Diego is 24% more expensive than Oxnard.

$2,223/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↓ 12%
$104,321/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↓ 10%
$848,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$617,800 ↓ 27%
$2,308/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↓ 14%
1,385,061
Population
201,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $10,949/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Oxnard — common questions

Is San Diego or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Oxnard?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Oxnard?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $10,949/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with rent of $1,962/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Oxnard details →

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