Median rent is 41% lower in Provo ($1,152/mo vs $1,962/mo). Buying is cheaper in Provo, where the median home runs $437,100 versus $617,800. Households earn more in Oxnard ($93,372 vs $62,800 a year). Taken together, Provo is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 87.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Oxnard, CA.
City A
Oxnard, CA
City B
Provo, UT
How much would you need to earn in Provo, UT to maintain your standard of living from Oxnard, CA?
Equivalent salary in Provo, UT
$74,985
You could earn $15 less (0% 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
Oxnard
California
Provo
Utah
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Provo — median rent of $1,152/mo versus $1,962/mo in Oxnard, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Oxnard: the median home is $617,800 versus $437,100 in Provo — 29% 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 4.65% in Utah, so Provo is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.85% in Utah; Provo has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Oxnard
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Provo
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Oxnard (avg AQI 63.0) but not yet for Provo.
Pick Oxnard if you prioritize higher median household income ($93,372/yr).
Pick Provo if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,152/mo median).
Pick Provo if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Oxnard cheaper than Provo?
Provo is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 87.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Provo.
How much is rent in Oxnard vs Provo?
Median rent is $1,962/mo in Oxnard, CA and $1,152/mo in Provo, UT. Provo, UT has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Oxnard or Provo?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard, CA and $62,800 in Provo, UT. 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Oxnard or Provo?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Utah's is 4.65%. Provo, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Provo to match my Oxnard income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Oxnard, CA is equivalent to roughly $99,981 in Provo, UT (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