Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Downey

California
169

Fort Worth is 43% cheaper than Downey.

$1,412/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 34%
$76,602/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 14%
$277,300 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 163%
$1,489/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 34%
941,311
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $10,798/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Downey — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Downey?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Downey?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $10,798/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Worth details → View Downey details →

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