Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Downey

California
169

Los Angeles is 11% more expensive than Downey.

$1,879/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ≈ Same
$80,366/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 9%
$879,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 17%
$2,055/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 3%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,034/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Downey — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Downey?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Downey?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $7,034/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 Los Angeles or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Downey details →

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