Cost of Living: High Point, NC vs Downey, CA (2026)

High Point

North Carolina
73
VS

Downey

California
169

High Point is 57% cheaper than Downey.

$1,062/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 78%
$61,228/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 43%
$212,400 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 243%
$1,084/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 84%
115,263
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing High Point, NC and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $26,172/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in High Point is $212,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

High Point vs Downey — common questions

Is High Point or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between High Point and Downey?
Median rent in High Point is $1,062/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, High Point or Downey?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $26,172/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to High Point or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. High Point has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,062/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 High Point details → View Downey details →

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