Median rent is 36% lower in Salisbury ($1,247/mo vs $1,962/mo). Buying is cheaper in Salisbury, where the median home runs $217,500 versus $617,800. Households earn more in Oxnard ($93,372 vs $56,402 a year). Taken together, Salisbury is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.1 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
Salisbury, MD
How much would you need to earn in Salisbury, MD to maintain your standard of living from Oxnard, CA?
Equivalent salary in Salisbury, MD
$74,824
You could earn $176 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
Salisbury
Maryland
👥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 Salisbury — median rent of $1,247/mo versus $1,962/mo in Oxnard, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Oxnard: the median home is $617,800 versus $217,500 in Salisbury — 65% 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 5.75% in Maryland, so Salisbury is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Maryland; Salisbury has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Oxnard
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Salisbury
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Oxnard (avg AQI 63.0) but not yet for Salisbury.
Pick Oxnard if you prioritize higher median household income ($93,372/yr).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,247/mo median).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Oxnard cheaper than Salisbury?
Salisbury is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.1 versus 87.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Salisbury.
How much is rent in Oxnard vs Salisbury?
Median rent is $1,962/mo in Oxnard, CA and $1,247/mo in Salisbury, MD. Salisbury, MD has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Oxnard or Salisbury?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard, CA and $56,402 in Salisbury, MD. 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 Salisbury?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Maryland's is 5.75%. Salisbury, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Salisbury to match my Oxnard income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Oxnard, CA is equivalent to roughly $99,765 in Salisbury, MD (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