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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Santa Ana is 3% more expensive than Oxnard.

$1,975/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ≈ Same
$88,354/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 6%
$657,800 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$617,800 ↓ 6%
$1,965/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ≈ Same
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,018/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Oxnard?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Oxnard?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $5,018/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Santa Ana or Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Oxnard details →

More Comparisons

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