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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Downey

California
169

College Station is 46% cheaper than Downey.

$1,168/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 62%
$51,776/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 69%
$326,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 123%
$1,251/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 60%
122,280
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $724/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,688/year.

Median household income is $35,624/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Downey — common questions

Is College Station or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Downey?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $724/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Downey?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $35,624/year higher in Downey.
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 College Station or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Downey details →

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