Cost of Living: Lehigh Acres, FL vs Downey, CA (2026)

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95
VS

Downey

California
169

Lehigh Acres is 44% cheaper than Downey.

$1,496/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 26%
$62,330/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 40%
$263,200 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 177%
$1,330/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 50%
127,391
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lehigh Acres, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Lehigh Acres, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $25,070/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lehigh Acres is $263,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lehigh Acres residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lehigh Acres vs Downey — common questions

Is Lehigh Acres or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lehigh Acres and Downey?
Median rent in Lehigh Acres is $1,496/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Lehigh Acres or Downey?
Median household income is $62,330 in Lehigh Acres and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $25,070/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lehigh Acres or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,496/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 Lehigh Acres details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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