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

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

Downey

California
169

Laredo is 60% cheaper than Downey.

$1,001/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 89%
$63,264/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 38%
$182,400 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 299%
$1,066/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 87%
255,949
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $891/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $10,692/year.

Median household income is $24,136/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Downey — common questions

Is Laredo or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and Downey?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $891/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or Downey?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $24,136/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 Laredo or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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 Laredo details → View Downey details →

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