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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Downey

California
169

Fremont is 64% more expensive than Downey.

$2,905/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 35%
$176,350/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 50%
$1,289,400 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 44%
$3,000/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 33%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,013/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $12,156/year.

Median household income is $88,950/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Downey — common questions

Is Fremont or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Downey?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $1,013/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Downey?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $88,950/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Downey details →

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