F
54%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
137%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Oxnard California National
Cost of living154141100
Groceries113111100
Health care116116100
Housing237197100
Transportation120118100
Utilities120119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment125120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare128127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oxnard, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Oxnard is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Oxnard is 154, which is 54% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Oxnard may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Oxnard falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Oxnard cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 136.6% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Oxnard, it's the same story – grocery costs are 13.2% higher than what people pay across the country.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Oxnard?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 8 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Oxnard. The feedback revealed that 50% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 50% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Oxnard Affordable?

Is Oxnard affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Oxnard, the median home price is 163.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 73.2% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Oxnard boasting a median household income of $115,534, 42.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oxnard?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Oxnard, the groceries index registers 13.2% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Oxnard, the transportation index stands at 19.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Oxnard cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Oxnard is 9% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Oxnard is 54% higher than the national average
  • Oxnard housing is 137% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Oxnard

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Compare Oxnard, CA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$138,086$11,507$3,222$4,143
      Renters$85,658$7,138$1,999$2,570
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Oxnard, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Oxnard homeowners, is $138,086. This would allow for a maximum of $3,222 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $85,658 which would result in a maximum of $1,999 to be spent on rental costs.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Saticoy, CA1,80814241.7%
      Santa Paula, CA31,10114242.2%
      Port Hueneme, CA22,49014848.3%
      El Rio, CA6,67815555.5%
      Oak View, CA6,79116464.2%
      Oxnard, CA214,92015453.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Richmond Hill, ON215,407n/a 
      Fayetteville, NC215,564964.4%
      Moreno Valley, CA215,61213737.1%
      Birmingham, AL216,5158812.4%
      Oakville, ON212,353n/a 
      Oxnard, CA214,92015453.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.