Cost of Living: San Jose, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

San Jose

California
254
VS

Downey

California
169

San Jose is 50% more expensive than Downey.

$2,617/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 28%
$141,565/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 38%
$1,187,800 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 39%
$2,775/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 28%
990,054
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $725/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $8,700/year.

Median household income is $54,165/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Downey — common questions

Is San Jose or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Downey?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $725/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Downey?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $54,165/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Downey details →

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