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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Downey

California
169

Palmdale is 23% cheaper than Downey.

$1,736/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 9%
$81,151/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 8%
$435,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 67%
$1,831/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 9%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $6,249/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Downey — common questions

Is Palmdale or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Downey?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Downey?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $6,249/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 Palmdale or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Downey details →

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