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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Downey

California
169

Pasadena is 30% more expensive than Downey.

$2,218/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 15%
$103,778/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 16%
$1,045,000 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 30%
$2,340/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 15%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $16,378/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Downey — common questions

Is Pasadena or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Downey?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Downey?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $16,378/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Downey details →

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