Median rent is 18% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $2,279/mo). Buying is cheaper in Folsom, where the median home runs $702,200 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Folsom ($139,263 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Folsom is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.9 against 113.3 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Folsom, CA.
Quick verdict
Folsom is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 109.9 in Folsom vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Folsom, CA
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Folsom, CA?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$77,323
You'd need $2,323 more (3% 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
Folsom
California
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Los Angeles at $1,879/mo compared to $2,279/mo in Folsom (18% gap). Median home values are within 20% of each other: $702,200 in Folsom and $879,500 in Los Angeles.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so Los Angeles is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; Los Angeles has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Folsom
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
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 Folsom.
Pick Folsom if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 109.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Folsom if you prioritize higher median household income ($139,263/yr).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,879/mo median).
Is Folsom cheaper than Los Angeles?
Folsom is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Folsom.
How much is rent in Folsom vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $2,279/mo in Folsom, CA and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Folsom or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $139,263 in Folsom, CA and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Folsom, 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 — Folsom or Los Angeles?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Folsom income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Folsom, CA is equivalent to roughly $103,097 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