Los Angeles, California has an overall cost of living index of 113.3, which is 13.3 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,879 per month, while the typical home is valued around $879,500. Households earn a median of $80,366 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 77. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$80,366
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,879
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$879,500
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
113.3
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,863
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,085
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,601
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,298
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
113.3
Goods
106.5
Rents / Housing
176.9
Services
149.1
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $151,780 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $121,440 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $93,750 |
| ⚡Electrician | $83,090 |
| 📊Accountant | $96,620 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
3,857,897
Latest estimate
Median Age
36.9 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
77.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 113.3. The US national average is 100, so Los Angeles is 13.3 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Los Angeles?
The median gross rent in Los Angeles is $1,879 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Los Angeles?
The median household income in Los Angeles is $80,366 per year.
What is the median home value in Los Angeles?
The median home value in Los Angeles is $879,500 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 77.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Los Angeles?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology