Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Downey, CA 2026

$1,049/mo ↓ 45%

Median Rent

$1,892/mo ↑ 80%

$62,469/yr ↓ 29%

Median Income

$87,400/yr ↑ 40%

$186,800 ↓ 74%

Home Value

$728,500 ↑ 290%

$1,074/mo ↓ 46%

Owner Costs

$1,997/mo ↑ 86%

200,945

Population

111,793

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $24,931/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Downey — common questions

Is Amarillo or Downey cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Downey?

Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $843/month.

Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Downey?

Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $24,931/year higher in Downey.

How do taxes compare between Texas and California?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Amarillo or Downey?

It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

Amarillo

Downey

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions