Los Angeles, California has an overall cost of living index of 114.7, which is 14.7 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,933 per month, while the typical home is valued around $921,200. Households earn a median of $81,939 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 31. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$81,939
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,933
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$921,200
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
114.7
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
114.7
Goods
107.1
Rents / Housing
173.0
Services
140.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $157,390 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $138,010 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $97,460 |
| ⚡Electrician | $81,940 |
| 📊Accountant | $100,770 |
| 🔧Plumber | $77,980 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $170,960 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $116,920 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $168,990 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $93,280 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $138,250 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $59,470 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $149,140 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
3,857,263
Latest estimate
Median Age
37.2 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
31.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
66
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$2,124
Per month
Avg Home Value
$1,368,420
Census ACS
January Avg
58°F
July Avg
70°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Dry/Arid · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
30.8
poor
Hospitals
19
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
90.5%
What is the cost of living index for Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 114.7. The US national average is 100, so Los Angeles is 14.7 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Los Angeles?
The median gross rent in Los Angeles is $1,933 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 $81,939 per year.
What is the median home value in Los Angeles?
The median home value in Los Angeles is $921,200 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 31.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Los Angeles?
Tax data for California is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
