Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Downey

California
169

Atlanta is 28% cheaper than Downey.

$1,617/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 17%
$81,938/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 7%
$420,600 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 73%
$1,695/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 18%
499,287
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $5,462/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Downey — common questions

Is Atlanta or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Downey?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Downey?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $5,462/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Downey details →

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