Cost of Living: Killeen, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Downey

California
169

Killeen is 56% cheaper than Downey.

$1,147/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 65%
$58,339/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 50%
$196,000 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 272%
$1,176/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 70%
156,144
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $29,061/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Downey — common questions

Is Killeen or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Downey?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Downey?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $29,061/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Killeen or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Downey details →

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