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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Downey

California
169

Plano is 22% cheaper than Downey.

$1,792/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 6%
$108,649/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 20%
$440,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 65%
$1,829/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 9%
287,339
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $21,249/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Downey — common questions

Is Plano or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Downey?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Downey?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $21,249/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Downey details →

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