Median rent is 4% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $1,962/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oxnard, where the median home runs $617,800 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Oxnard ($93,372 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Oxnard is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 113.3 — about 23% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Oxnard, CA.
Quick verdict
Oxnard is 23% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Oxnard vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Oxnard, CA
How much would you need to earn in Oxnard, CA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Oxnard, CA
$57,808
You could earn $17,192 less (23% 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
Los Angeles
California
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,879/mo in Los Angeles and $1,962/mo in Oxnard. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $617,800 in Oxnard — 30% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so Oxnard is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; Oxnard has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Oxnard
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Oxnard has cleaner air on average: 63.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 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 113.3).
Pick Oxnard if you prioritize higher median household income ($93,372/yr).
Pick Oxnard if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 63.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Oxnard?
Oxnard is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 23% lower in Oxnard.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Oxnard?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,962/mo in Oxnard, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Oxnard?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA 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?
Oxnard, CA has better air quality on average: 63.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Oxnard?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. Oxnard, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Oxnard to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $77,078 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