Cost of Living: Downey, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Downey

California
169
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Downey is 114% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,892/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 33%
$87,400/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 25%
$728,500 ↑ 254%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 72%
$1,997/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 41%
111,793
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $22,208/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Downey vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Downey or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Dearborn?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Dearborn?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $22,208/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Downey or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Downey details → View Dearborn details →

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