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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Downey

California
169

Austin is 21% cheaper than Downey.

$1,655/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 14%
$91,461/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 4%
$512,700 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 42%
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 14%
967,862
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $4,061/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Downey — common questions

Is Austin or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Downey?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Downey?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $4,061/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Downey details →

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