Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles's cost of living index is 166 — making it 39.8% more expensive than the US national average. To maintain your current standard of living here, you would need to earn $166,000 for every $100,000 of national-average income.
The Los Angeles Tax & Cost Impact
Los Angeles is located in California, a relatively high-tax jurisdiction. When you combine state income tax with a COL index of 166, your "Effective Purchasing Power" is significantly lower than the nominal salary suggests.
Decision Matrix
- ✓Housing: Expect a major "Housing Premium" here.
- ✓Savings Rate: To save $2,000/mo here, you need a gross household income of ~$139,440.
COL Index
166
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$8,300
vs $5,000 national
Population
4.0M
Metro area
State Tax
Yes
California
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Los Angeles vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $3,283 | +$1,633 |
| Groceries | $650 | $993 | +$343 |
| Transportation | $800 | $1,275 | +$475 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $585 | +$185 |
| Utilities | $300 | $498 | +$198 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,834 | +$634 |
| Total | $5,000 | $8,300 | +$3,300 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Los Angeles, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$83,000
$75,000 nationally
$124,500
$100,000 nationally
$166,000
$150,000 nationally
$249,000
What Your Salary Gets You in Los Angeles
Here's how different salary levels translate to monthly purchasing power in Los Angeles, CA, where the cost of living is 66% above the national average.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
FAQ: Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Is Los Angeles expensive to live in?
Los Angeles's cost of living index is 166, which is significantly above the national average of 100. Housing is typically the biggest factor, with estimated monthly rent around $2,739.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Los Angeles?
To maintain a middle-class lifestyle in Los Angeles, you'd need approximately $124,500 per year, which is equivalent to a $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living.
How does Los Angeles compare to other cities?
Los Angeles is comparable in cost to Long Beach, San Diego, Seattle. More affordable alternatives include Washington, Boston, Portland.