Cost of Living: Lansing, MI vs Downey, CA (2026)

Lansing

Michigan
58
VS

Downey

California
169

Lansing is 111% cheaper than Downey.

$976/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 94%
$52,170/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 68%
$119,400 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 510%
$978/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 104%
112,546
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lansing, MI and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $916/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $10,992/year.

Median household income is $35,230/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lansing is $119,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lansing vs Downey — common questions

Is Lansing or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lansing and Downey?
Median rent in Lansing is $976/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $916/month.
Which city has higher income, Lansing or Downey?
Median household income is $52,170 in Lansing and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $35,230/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and California?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lansing or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lansing has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $976/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 Lansing details → View Downey details →