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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Downey

California
169

Torrance is 29% more expensive than Downey.

$2,214/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 15%
$113,105/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 23%
$1,036,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 30%
$2,295/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 13%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $25,705/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Downey — common questions

Is Torrance or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Downey?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Downey?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $25,705/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Downey

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens