Cost of Living Comparison for Los Angeles, CA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Los Angeles's cost of living index is 173 — 73% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Los Angeles local data
How Los Angeles Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Los Angeles stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $860,000 | $420,800 | +104.4% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $1,713 | +19.7% |
| Median Household Income | $76,000 | $74,580 | +1.9% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.73% | 1.10% | -33.6% |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 100 | +73.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Los Angeles Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 13,200,000
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg Commute
- 32 min
- Median Age
- 36.4
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 35.0x
- Annual Property Tax
- $6,278
Cost of Living Comparison in Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Los Angeles
What is the median home price in Los Angeles, CA?
The median home price in Los Angeles is $860,000 as of 2025–2026. This is above the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Los Angeles?
Median monthly rent in Los Angeles is $2,050. That works out to $24,600/year, or 32% of the median household income — above the recommended 30% threshold.
Is Los Angeles affordable?
Los Angeles's cost of living index is 173 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $76,000/year and a median home price of $860,000, the price-to-income ratio is 11.3x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical Los Angeles household.
What is the property tax rate in Los Angeles?
The effective property tax rate in Los Angeles is 0.73% of assessed value. On the median home of $860,000, that's roughly $6,278/year ($523/month).