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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Downey

California
169

Fullerton is 15% more expensive than Downey.

$2,124/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 11%
$104,219/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 16%
$859,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 15%
$2,251/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 11%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $16,819/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Downey — common questions

Is Fullerton or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Downey?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Downey?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $16,819/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Downey details →

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