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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Downey

California
169

Santa Clarita is 17% more expensive than Downey.

$2,486/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 24%
$119,926/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 27%
$721,000 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 1%
$2,649/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 25%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $32,526/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Downey — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Downey?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Downey?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $32,526/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Downey details →

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