Cost of Living: Provo, UT vs Downey, CA (2026)

Provo

Utah
102
VS

Downey

California
169

Provo is 40% cheaper than Downey.

$1,152/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 64%
$62,800/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 39%
$437,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 67%
$1,220/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 64%
114,303
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Provo, UT and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $24,600/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Provo is $437,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Provo vs Downey — common questions

Is Provo or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Provo and Downey?
Median rent in Provo is $1,152/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Provo or Downey?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $24,600/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Provo or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Provo has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,152/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 Provo details → View Downey details →

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