Median rent is 56% lower in Greenville ($824/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greenville, where the median home runs $100,800 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $36,297 a year). Taken together, Greenville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 113.3 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Greenville is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Greenville vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Greenville, MS
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Greenville, MS?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$89,575
You'd need $14,575 more (19% 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
Greenville
Mississippi
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 Greenville — median rent of $824/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 56% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $100,800 in Greenville — 89% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% versus 13.30% in California, so Greenville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Mississippi and 7.25% in California; Greenville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Greenville
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
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 Greenville.
Pick Greenville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Greenville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($824/mo median).
Pick Greenville if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.70%).
Is Greenville cheaper than Los Angeles?
Greenville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Greenville.
How much is rent in Greenville vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $824/mo in Greenville, MS and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Greenville, MS has the lower rent by about 56%.
Which has higher salaries — Greenville or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $36,297 in Greenville, MS 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 — Greenville or Los Angeles?
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% and California's is 13.30%. Greenville, MS has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Greenville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Greenville, MS is equivalent to roughly $119,434 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