Cost of Living: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Downey, CA (2026)

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113
VS

Downey

California
169

Port St. Lucie is 33% cheaper than Downey.

$1,781/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 6%
$78,137/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 12%
$327,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 122%
$1,507/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 33%
220,453
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Port St. Lucie, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Port St. Lucie, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $9,263/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Port St. Lucie is $327,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Port St. Lucie vs Downey — common questions

Is Port St. Lucie or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Port St. Lucie and Downey?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,781/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Port St. Lucie or Downey?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $9,263/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Port St. Lucie or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,781/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 Port St. Lucie details → View Downey details →

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