Median rent is 34% lower in Daytona Beach ($1,239/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Daytona Beach, where the median home runs $244,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $50,130 a year). Taken together, Daytona Beach is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Daytona Beach is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Daytona Beach vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Daytona Beach, FL
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Daytona Beach, FL?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$86,006
You'd need $11,006 more (15% 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
Daytona Beach
Florida
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 Daytona Beach — median rent of $1,239/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $244,300 in Daytona Beach — 72% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Daytona Beach a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 7.25% in California; Daytona Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Daytona Beach
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
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 Daytona Beach.
Pick Daytona Beach if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Daytona Beach if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,239/mo median).
Pick Daytona Beach if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Daytona Beach cheaper than Los Angeles?
Daytona Beach is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Daytona Beach.
How much is rent in Daytona Beach vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,239/mo in Daytona Beach, FL and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Daytona Beach, FL has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Daytona Beach or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $50,130 in Daytona Beach, FL 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 — Daytona Beach or Los Angeles?
Florida has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Daytona Beach income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Daytona Beach, FL is equivalent to roughly $114,675 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