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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Downey

California
169

Lancaster is 27% cheaper than Downey.

$1,696/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 12%
$76,083/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 15%
$409,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 78%
$1,746/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 14%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $11,317/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Downey — common questions

Is Lancaster or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Downey?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Downey?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $11,317/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 Lancaster or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Downey details →

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