Median rent is 16% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,962/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $617,800. Households earn more in Oxnard ($93,372 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Oxnard is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 98.8 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Oxnard, CA.
Quick verdict
Oxnard is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Oxnard vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Oxnard, CA
How much would you need to earn in Oxnard, CA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Oxnard, CA
$66,290
You could earn $8,710 less (12% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Oxnard
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,962/mo in Oxnard (16% gap). Median home values are within 17% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $617,800 in Oxnard.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Oxnard
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 63.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Oxnard if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.3 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Oxnard?
Oxnard is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Oxnard.
How much is rent in Austin vs Oxnard?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,962/mo in Oxnard, CA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Oxnard?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $93,372 in Oxnard, CA. Oxnard, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 63.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Oxnard?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Oxnard to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $88,387 in Oxnard, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology