Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Downey, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Downey

California
169

Reno is 28% cheaper than Downey.

$1,453/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 30%
$78,448/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 11%
$498,600 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 46%
$1,482/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 35%
268,959
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $8,952/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Downey — common questions

Is Reno or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Downey?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Downey?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $8,952/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Downey

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens