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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Downey

California
169

Glendale is 27% more expensive than Downey.

$2,095/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 10%
$84,262/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 4%
$1,043,900 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 30%
$2,212/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 10%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $3,138/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Downey — common questions

Is Glendale or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Downey?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Downey?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,138/year higher in Downey.
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 Glendale or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Downey

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens