Santa Rosa, CA vs Downey, CA: 172 vs 169

$2,084/mo ↑ 10%

Median Rent

$1,892/mo ↓ 9%

$97,410/yr ↑ 11%

Median Income

$87,400/yr ↓ 10%

$685,000 ↓ 6%

Home Value

$728,500 ↑ 6%

$2,130/mo ↑ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,997/mo ↓ 6%

177,216

Population

111,793

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $10,010/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Downey — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Downey cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Downey?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $192/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Downey?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $10,010/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Downey?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Santa Rosa

Downey

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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