Cost of Living: Odessa, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

Odessa

Texas
83
VS

Downey

California
169

Odessa is 51% cheaper than Downey.

$1,322/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 43%
$73,030/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 20%
$208,000 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 250%
$1,251/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 60%
114,080
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Odessa, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $14,370/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Odessa is $208,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Odessa vs Downey — common questions

Is Odessa or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Odessa and Downey?
Median rent in Odessa is $1,322/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Odessa or Downey?
Median household income is $73,030 in Odessa and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $14,370/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Odessa or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Odessa has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,322/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 Odessa details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Odessa and Downey

Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens