Cost of Living in Downey, CA

Population 111,793 · California · Data vintage 2023

201

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Downey's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $729,000 for a typical home, 139% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $87,400 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Cost Overview

Housing 239

Rent 144

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Downey

The median home value in Downey is $728,500 — 139% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,892/month, 44% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,400/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Downey has a cost of living index of 201 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 101% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$728,500

139% above avg

Zillow Home Value

$875,077

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,892/mo

44% above avg

Zillow Rent

$2,235/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

32.1x

Favors renting

Property Tax Rate

0.7%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$1,195

1 BR

$1,241

2 BR

$1,544

3 BR

$2,163

4 BR

$2,556

Owner-occupied 50.7%

Renter-occupied 49.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,892

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $2,506/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

34.1 min

26% above avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

8.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

73.5%

Carpooled

11.9%

Public transit

2.9%

Walked

1.7%

Bicycle

0.2%

Work from home

8.3%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%

Total Sales Tax 8.7%

State rate 7.3%

Avg local rate 1.4%

Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$87,400

17% above avg

Per Capita Income

$37,122

Unemployment Rate

5.8%

20% above avg

Poverty Rate

9.1%

Labor Force Participation

65.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%

Graduate degree 7.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37

Male median age 36.1

Female median age 37.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate

11.2%

Good air days/yr

210

Max AQI recorded

203

PM2.5 days

150

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Downey, CA?

Downey has a cost index of 201 (100 = national average). It is 101% above the national average.

What is average rent in Downey, CA?

The median gross rent in Downey is $1,892 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Downey?

The median home value in Downey is $728,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Downey?

The median household income in Downey is $87,400 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Downey, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Downey is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Downey, CA affordable?

Downey is above average in cost of living, with an index of 201 — about 101% higher than the national average.

Downey at a Glance

Population: 111,793
Median Income: $87,400
Home Value: $728,500
Median Rent: $1,892/mo
Unemployment: 5.8%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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