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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Downey

California
169

Arlington is 44% cheaper than Downey.

$1,389/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 36%
$73,519/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 19%
$276,400 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 164%
$1,420/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 41%
394,769
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $13,881/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Downey — common questions

Is Arlington or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Downey?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Downey?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $13,881/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 Arlington or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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.
View Arlington details → View Downey details →

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