Santa Ana, CA vs Downey, CA: 163 vs 169

$1,975/mo ↑ 4%

Median Rent

$1,892/mo ↓ 4%

$88,354/yr ↑ 1%

Median Income

$87,400/yr ↓ 1%

$657,800 ↓ 10%

Home Value

$728,500 ↑ 11%

$1,965/mo ↓ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,997/mo ↑ 2%

311,639

Population

111,793

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $954/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Downey — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Downey cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Downey?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $83/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Downey?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $954/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Downey?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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: Santa Ana, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Santa Ana

Downey

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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