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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Downey

California
169

Cambridge is 41% more expensive than Downey.

$2,742/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 31%
$126,469/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 31%
$1,040,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 30%
$2,634/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 24%
117,794
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $39,069/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Downey — common questions

Is Cambridge or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Downey?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Downey?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $39,069/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Downey details →

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