Cost of Living: Santa Clara, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Downey

California
169

Santa Clara is 82% more expensive than Downey.

$2,985/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 37%
$173,670/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 50%
$1,527,900 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 52%
$3,051/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 35%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,093/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $13,116/year.

Median household income is $86,270/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Downey — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Downey?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $1,093/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Downey?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $86,270/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Downey details →

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