Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Downey

California
169

Elk Grove and Downey have a similar cost of living.

$2,180/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 13%
$122,229/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 28%
$603,400 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 21%
$2,227/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 10%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $34,829/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Downey — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Downey?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Downey?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $34,829/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Downey

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens