Median rent is 43% lower in High Point ($1,062/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in High Point, where the median home runs $212,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $61,228 a year). Taken together, High Point is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 113.3 — about 17% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
High Point is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in High Point vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
High Point, NC
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from High Point, NC?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$90,623
You'd need $15,623 more (21% 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
High Point
North Carolina
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 High Point — median rent of $1,062/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 43% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $212,400 in High Point — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 13.30% in California, so High Point is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 7.25% in California; High Point has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
High Point
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
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 High Point.
Pick High Point if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick High Point if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,062/mo median).
Pick High Point if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is High Point cheaper than Los Angeles?
High Point is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in High Point.
How much is rent in High Point vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,062/mo in High Point, NC and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. High Point, NC has the lower rent by about 43%.
Which has higher salaries — High Point or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point, NC 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 — High Point or Los Angeles?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and California's is 13.30%. High Point, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my High Point income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in High Point, NC is equivalent to roughly $120,831 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