Cost of Living: Orange, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Orange

California
206
VS

Downey

California
169

Orange is 22% more expensive than Downey.

$2,252/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 16%
$116,945/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 25%
$900,700 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 19%
$2,394/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 17%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $29,545/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Downey — common questions

Is Orange or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Downey?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Downey?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $29,545/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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