Cost of Living: Rancho Cucamonga, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Downey

California
169

Rancho Cucamonga is 8% more expensive than Downey.

$2,286/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 17%
$109,511/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 20%
$694,400 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 5%
$2,324/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 14%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $22,111/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Downey — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Downey?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Downey?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $22,111/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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