Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Downey

California
169

Riverside is 15% cheaper than Downey.

$1,812/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 4%
$88,575/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 1%
$542,100 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 34%
$1,880/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 6%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $1,175/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Downey — common questions

Is Riverside or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Downey?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Downey?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $1,175/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Downey details →

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