Chico, CA vs Oxnard, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chico is 21.5% cheaper than Oxnard. With a cost index of 118 vs 150, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chico to Oxnard should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chico is $1,442/month compared to $1,962/month in Oxnard — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chico is more affordable at $455,300 median vs $617,800.

Median household income in Chico is $67,929 compared to $93,372 in Oxnard (-27.2%). While Oxnard is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chico spend roughly 25.5% of their income on rent, more than the 25.2% in Oxnard.