Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Downey

California
169

Boston is 4% more expensive than Downey.

$2,093/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 10%
$94,755/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 8%
$710,400 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 3%
$2,176/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 8%
663,972
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $7,355/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Downey — common questions

Is Boston or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Downey?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Downey?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $7,355/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Downey details →

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