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

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Downey

California
169

Vallejo is 8% cheaper than Downey.

$2,013/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 6%
$89,496/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 2%
$557,500 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 31%
$2,058/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 3%
124,637
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

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $2,096/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Downey — common questions

Is Vallejo or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Downey?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Downey?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $2,096/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Downey details →

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