Sacramento, CA vs Downey, CA: 132 vs 169

$1,694/mo ↓ 10%

Median Rent

$1,892/mo ↑ 12%

$83,753/yr ↓ 4%

Median Income

$87,400/yr ↑ 4%

$484,600 ↓ 33%

Home Value

$728,500 ↑ 50%

$1,752/mo ↓ 12%

Owner Costs

$1,997/mo ↑ 14%

524,802

Population

111,793

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $3,647/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Downey — common questions

Is Sacramento or Downey cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Downey?

Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $198/month.

Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Downey?

Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,647/year higher in Downey.

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 Sacramento or Downey?

It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.

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

Sacramento

Downey

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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