Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Downey

California
169

Long Beach and Downey have a similar cost of living.

$1,803/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 5%
$83,969/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 4%
$762,200 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 4%
$1,890/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 6%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $3,431/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Downey — common questions

Is Long Beach or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Downey?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Downey?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,431/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 Long Beach or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Downey details →

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