Salary & Cost of Living in Downey, CA
Downey, CA: $52,908 median salary, cost of living index 148.2, $16.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,908
$25/hr
Cost of Living
148.2
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.00
per hour
Unemployment
4.9%
rate
Downey, CA Overview
Population
111,772
Median Salary
$52,908
Average Salary
$59,257
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$690,000
Median Rent
$2,816/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
Downey is located in California with a population of 111,772. The median household salary is $52,908 per year ($25/hour), which is $6,476 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
Downey Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Downey, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$39,630
$3,302.47/month · $1,524.22/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.1%
Gross Pay
$52,908
Federal Tax
-$4,310
State Tax
-$4,920
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,047
Net Pay
$39,630
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,409.00 | $52,908.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$359.21 | -$4,310.46 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$410.04 | -$4,920.44 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$273.36 | -$3,280.30 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$63.93 | -$767.17 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,302.47 | $39,629.63 |
Salary Comparison: Downey vs Other Cities
See how Downey's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downey, CA | $52,908 | 148.2 | $35,700 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Norwalk, CA | $52,896 | 140.5 | $37,648 |
| Menifee, CA | $52,891 | 114.2 | $46,314 |
| Conroe, TX | $52,886 | 92.8 | $56,989 |
| Bristol Township, PA | $52,886 | 99.5 | $53,152 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Downey
Downey's cost of living index is 148.2 (national average = 100). Living in Downey is 48.19999999999999% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$690,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,816
Annual Rent Cost
$33,792
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $39,630 annual take-home pay in Downey has the purchasing power of approximately $26,741 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $78,410 in Downey to match a $52,908 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Downey
Downey's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,908.
Salary Tips for Downey Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Downey has a cost of living 48.19999999999999% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 9.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Downey's top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,908 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Downey, CA?
The median salary in Downey, CA is $52,908 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $59,257. This is $6,476 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Downey, CA?
Downey's cost of living index is 148.2 (national average = 100), meaning it is 48.19999999999999% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $690,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,816.
What are the best industries in Downey?
The top industries in Downey, CA include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 4.9%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,908.
How does Downey's salary compare to other cities?
Downey's median salary of $52,908 is 10.9% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 148.2), the real purchasing power is approximately $35,700.
What is the minimum wage in Downey, CA?
The minimum wage in Downey, CA is $16.00 per hour. This equals approximately $33,280 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $8.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.