California · Population 111,793 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Downey
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Downey has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 169 (where 100 equals the national median), Downey residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,892/month while earning a median household income of $87,400/year.
The median home value in Downey, CA is $728,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,997 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%, Downey falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Downey.
Common questions about living costs in Downey