Cost of Living: Downey, CA vs Ventura, CA (2026)

Downey

California
169
VS

Ventura

California
183

Downey is 8% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,892/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 11%
$87,400/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 15%
$728,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 7%
$1,997/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 6%
111,793
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $13,007/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Downey vs Ventura — common questions

Is Downey or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Ventura?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Ventura?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $13,007/year higher in Ventura.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Downey or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Downey details → View Ventura details →

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