Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA
Population 3,857,897 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$880,000 is the going rate for a typical Los Angeles home, 188% over the national median. Rents of $1,879/month track the same premium. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Los Angeles
The median home value in Los Angeles is $879,500 — 188% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,879/month, 43% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $80,366/year is 8% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 70.4°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 230 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 130% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 66 | 66 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 75 | 77 | 76 | 74 | 70 | 66 |
| Low °F | 49 | 49 | 51 | 53 | 57 | 60 | 63 | 63 | 62 | 58 | 52 | 48 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 3.34 | 2.09 | 0.56 | 0.26 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.14 | 0.55 | 0.76 | 2.34 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles has a cost index of 230 (100 = national average). It is 130% above the national average.
What is average rent in Los Angeles, CA?
The median gross rent in Los Angeles is $1,879 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Los Angeles?
The median home value in Los Angeles is $879,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Los Angeles?
The median household income in Los Angeles is $80,366 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Los Angeles, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Los Angeles is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Los Angeles, CA affordable?
Los Angeles is above average in cost of living, with an index of 230 — about 130% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has average high temperatures of 70.4°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 13.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Los Angeles at a Glance
- Population
- 3,857,897
- Median Income
- $80,366
- Home Value
- $879,500
- Median Rent
- $1,879/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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