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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Downey

California
169

Carrollton is 31% cheaper than Downey.

$1,674/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 13%
$99,115/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 12%
$353,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 106%
$1,689/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 18%
132,741
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $11,715/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Downey — common questions

Is Carrollton or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Downey?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Downey?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $11,715/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens