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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Downey

California
169

Miami is 24% cheaper than Downey.

$1,657/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 14%
$59,390/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 47%
$475,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 53%
$1,666/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 20%
446,663
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Miami, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $28,010/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Downey — common questions

Is Miami or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami is cheaper to live in with an index of 129 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Downey?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Downey?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $28,010/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 Miami or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Downey details →

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