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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Oxnard

California
159

San Jose is 60% more expensive than Oxnard.

$2,617/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↓ 25%
$141,565/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↓ 34%
$1,187,800 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$617,800 ↓ 48%
$2,775/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↓ 29%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $48,193/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Oxnard — common questions

Is San Jose or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Oxnard?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Oxnard?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $48,193/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Oxnard details →

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