Cost of Living in West Hollywood, CA

Population 35,090 · California · Data vintage 2023

255
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

West Hollywood's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $970,000 for a typical home, 218% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $94,844 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

West Hollywood sits roughly 5 miles northeast of Los Angeles — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Los Angeles' $880,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 318
Rent 160

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in West Hollywood

The median home value in West Hollywood is $969,900 — 218% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,103/month, 60% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,844/year is 27% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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%. Overall, West Hollywood has a cost of living index of 255 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 155% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$969,900
218% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,013,036
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,103/mo
60% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,057/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
38.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 20.5%
Renter-occupied 79.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,103
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,717/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
30.0 min
11% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
25.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.5%
Carpooled
3.8%
Public transit
3.6%
Walked
5.7%
Bicycle
1.0%
Work from home
25.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$94,844
27% above avg
Per Capita Income
$88,026
Unemployment Rate
8.0%
65% above avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Labor Force Participation
77.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 40.9%
Graduate degree 22.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.6
Male median age 43.1
Female median age 36.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
210
Max AQI recorded
203
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Hollywood, CA?

West Hollywood has a cost index of 255 (100 = national average). It is 155% above the national average.

What is average rent in West Hollywood, CA?

The median gross rent in West Hollywood is $2,103 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Hollywood?

The median home value in West Hollywood is $969,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in West Hollywood?

The median household income in West Hollywood is $94,844 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Hollywood, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Hollywood is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is West Hollywood, CA affordable?

West Hollywood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 255 — about 155% higher than the national average.