Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Downey

California
169

Seattle is 16% more expensive than Downey.

$1,998/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 5%
$121,984/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 28%
$912,100 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 20%
$2,220/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 10%
741,440
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $34,584/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Downey — common questions

Is Seattle or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Downey?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Downey?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $34,584/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Downey

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