Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Downey, CA (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Downey

California
169

Las Vegas is 34% cheaper than Downey.

$1,456/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 30%
$70,723/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 24%
$395,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 84%
$1,452/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 38%
650,873
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $16,677/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Downey — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Downey?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Downey?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $16,677/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Downey details →

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