Median rent is 52% lower in Albany ($898/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albany, where the median home runs $118,700 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $45,201 a year). Taken together, Albany is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.6 against 113.3 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Albany is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.6 in Albany vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Albany, GA
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Albany, GA?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$87,988
You'd need $12,988 more (17% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albany
Georgia
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Albany — median rent of $898/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 52% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $118,700 in Albany — 87% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% versus 13.30% in California, so Albany is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 7.25% in California; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Albany.
Pick Albany if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.6 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Albany if you prioritize cheaper rent ($898/mo median).
Pick Albany if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.49%).
Is Albany cheaper than Los Angeles?
Albany is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Albany.
How much is rent in Albany vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $898/mo in Albany, GA and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Albany, GA has the lower rent by about 52%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $45,201 in Albany, GA and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or Los Angeles?
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% and California's is 13.30%. Albany, GA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, GA is equivalent to roughly $117,318 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology