Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Downey, CA (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Downey

California
169

Fort Lauderdale is 22% cheaper than Downey.

$1,776/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 7%
$79,935/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 9%
$455,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 60%
$1,778/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 12%
183,032
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $7,465/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Downey — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Downey?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Downey?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $7,465/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Downey details →

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