Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Downey, CA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Downey

California
169

Chandler is 21% cheaper than Downey.

$1,806/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 5%
$103,691/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 16%
$469,800 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 55%
$1,743/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 15%
278,123
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $16,291/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Downey — common questions

Is Chandler or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Downey?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Downey?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $16,291/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chandler and Downey

Chandler vs. Plano Chandler vs. Buffalo Chandler vs. Durham Chandler vs. Madison Chandler vs. Anchorage Chandler vs. Chula Vista Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens