Is Austin, TX cheaper than Downey, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 21.2% cheaper than Downey, CA. This translates to saving $1591 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Downey, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Downey, CA, you'd need approximately $130,908.745 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Downey, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 32.6% cheaper than in Downey, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,099/month in Downey, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Downey, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Downey, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1591 per month, or $19091 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Downey, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Downey, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Long Beach, CA area

Current salary in Downey, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.9K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,591

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Downey, CA

Population:109K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$904K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:79

Median Home:$558K

Downey, CA

The Golden State

109K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 109K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Downey, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Downey, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,281/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,396less	32.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,090/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $806less	38.6%
📦Other	$1,670/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $71.26more	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,023/mo	$959/mo	↓ $63.38less	6.2%
🏥Healthcare	$543/mo	$589/mo	↑ $45.96more	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$548/mo	$541/mo	↓ $7.51less	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.6%

Downey, CA

$4,281

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,396

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.6%

Downey, CA

$2,090

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$806

less

📦Other

↑ 4.3%

Downey, CA

$1,670

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$71.26

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.2%

Downey, CA

$1,023

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$63.38

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.5%

Downey, CA

$543

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$45.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.4%

Downey, CA

$548

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$7.51

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,506

To$1,585

↑ $79.00

1 Bed

From$1,679

To$1,685

↑ $6.00

2 Bed

From$2,099

To$1,995

↓ $104

3 Bed

From$2,659

To$2,525

↓ $134

Downey, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,160/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,154

Monthly in Downey, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,156

Difference

Home Values

Downey

Austin

$904K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +27.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$806K - $920K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 38% less expensive than Downey

Calculate payment - Downey Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Downey, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Downey, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.