Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Downey, CA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Downey

California
169

Jacksonville is 46% cheaper than Downey.

$1,375/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 38%
$66,981/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 30%
$266,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 174%
$1,324/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 51%
961,739
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $20,419/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Downey — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Downey?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Downey?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $20,419/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Downey details →

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