Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Downey

California
169

Berkeley is 49% more expensive than Downey.

$2,127/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 11%
$108,558/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 19%
$1,351,100 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 46%
$2,340/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 15%
120,223
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $21,158/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Downey — common questions

Is Berkeley or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Downey?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Downey?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $21,158/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Downey details →

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