Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Downey, CA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Downey

California
169

Indianapolis is 56% cheaper than Downey.

$1,112/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 70%
$62,995/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 39%
$207,000 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 252%
$1,124/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 78%
882,043
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $24,405/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Downey — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Downey?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Downey?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $24,405/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Downey details →

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