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Downey, CA vs La Quinta, CA

157
Downey
California
VS
+11.7%
141
La Quinta
California

La Quinta is moderately more affordable than Downey, with a 11.7% lower cost of living index. Downey scores 157 compared to 141 for La Quinta, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Downey can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Downey is $1,892/month compared to $1,747/month in La Quinta — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: La Quinta is more affordable at $612,800 median vs $728,500.

Median household income in Downey is $87,400 compared to $97,628 in La Quinta (-10.5%). La Quinta offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Downey spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 21.5% in La Quinta.

Climate-wise, La Quinta is notably warmer with an average of 72.5°F compared to 64.9°F in Downey. Downey receives more rainfall at 12" per year compared to 3" in La Quinta.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Downey
157
La Quinta
141
10% cheaper
Median Household Income
Downey
$87,400
La Quinta
$97,628
10% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Downey
$1,892
La Quinta
$1,747
8% cheaper
Median Home Value
Downey
$728,500
La Quinta
$612,800
16% cheaper
Population
Downey
111,793
La Quinta
38,299

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Downey $2,031
La Quinta $2,020
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Downey $2,272
La Quinta $2,148
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Downey $2,835
La Quinta $2,675
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Downey $3,599
La Quinta $3,520
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Downey $4,010
La Quinta $4,178
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Downey $3.28
La Quinta $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Downey $2.68
La Quinta $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Downey $4.31
La Quinta $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Downey $1.98
La Quinta $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Downey $4.44
La Quinta $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
Downey $0.27
La Quinta $0.31
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Downey 64.9°F
La Quinta 72.5°F
Summer High
Downey 81°F
La Quinta 107°F
Winter Low
Downey 47°F
La Quinta 39°F
Rainfall
Downey 12"
La Quinta 3"
Rainy Days
Downey 35d
La Quinta 15d