Downey, CA vs La Quinta, CA
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.
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Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)