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

Downey

California
169
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Downey is 23% more expensive than Allen.

$1,892/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ≈ Same
$87,400/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 48%
$728,500 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 41%
$1,997/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 4%
111,793
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $41,730/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Downey vs Allen — common questions

Is Downey or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Allen?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Allen?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $41,730/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Downey or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Downey details → View Allen details →

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