Cost of Living: East Los Angeles, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

East Los Angeles

California
134
VS

Downey

California
169

East Los Angeles is 21% cheaper than Downey.

$1,431/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 32%
$68,378/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 28%
$613,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 19%
$1,458/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 37%
114,617
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing East Los Angeles, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $19,022/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in East Los Angeles is $613,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

East Los Angeles vs Downey — common questions

Is East Los Angeles or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between East Los Angeles and Downey?
Median rent in East Los Angeles is $1,431/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, East Los Angeles or Downey?
Median household income is $68,378 in East Los Angeles and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $19,022/year higher in Downey.
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 East Los Angeles or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,431/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.
View East Los Angeles details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for East Los Angeles and Downey

East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens