Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Downey

California
169

Sunnyvale is 102% more expensive than Downey.

$3,065/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 38%
$181,862/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 52%
$1,816,600 ↑ 149%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 60%
$3,016/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 34%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,173/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $14,076/year.

Median household income is $94,462/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Downey — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Downey?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $1,173/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Downey?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $94,462/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Downey details →

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