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

Pearland

Texas
121
VS

Downey

California
169

Pearland is 28% cheaper than Downey.

$1,759/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 8%
$112,470/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 22%
$330,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 120%
$1,962/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 2%
125,983
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pearland, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Pearland, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $25,070/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pearland is $330,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pearland vs Downey — common questions

Is Pearland or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pearland and Downey?
Median rent in Pearland is $1,759/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Pearland or Downey?
Median household income is $112,470 in Pearland and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $25,070/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Pearland has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,759/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 Pearland details → View Downey details →

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