Median rent is 38% lower in Camden ($1,157/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Camden, where the median home runs $100,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $40,450 a year). Taken together, Camden is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.7 against 113.3 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Camden is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.7 in Camden vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Camden, NJ
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Camden, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$84,357
You'd need $9,357 more (12% 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
Camden
New Jersey
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 Camden — median rent of $1,157/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $100,400 in Camden — 89% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% versus 13.30% in California, so Camden is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 7.25% in California; Camden has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Camden
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
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 Camden.
Pick Camden if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Camden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,157/mo median).
Pick Camden if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.75%).
Is Camden cheaper than Los Angeles?
Camden is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Camden.
How much is rent in Camden vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,157/mo in Camden, NJ and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Camden, NJ has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Camden or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $40,450 in Camden, NJ 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 — Camden or Los Angeles?
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% and California's is 13.30%. Camden, NJ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Camden income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Camden, NJ is equivalent to roughly $112,476 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