Cost of Living: Downey, CA vs Everett, WA (2026)

Downey

California
169
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Downey is 32% more expensive than Everett.

$1,892/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↓ 11%
$87,400/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↓ 7%
$728,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$532,300 ↓ 27%
$1,997/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↓ 13%
111,793
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Everett, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $5,898/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Downey vs Everett — common questions

Is Downey or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Everett is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Everett?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Everett?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $5,898/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Downey or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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