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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Downey

California
169

Dallas is 43% cheaper than Downey.

$1,403/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 35%
$67,760/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 29%
$295,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 147%
$1,409/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 42%
1,299,553
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $489/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $5,868/year.

Median household income is $19,640/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Downey — common questions

Is Dallas or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Downey?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $489/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Downey?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $19,640/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 Dallas or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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.
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