Median rent is 1% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $1,896/mo). Buying is cheaper in Hillsboro, where the median home runs $483,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Hillsboro ($103,207 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Hillsboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.6 against 113.3 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Hillsboro, OR.
Quick verdict
Hillsboro is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.6 in Hillsboro vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Hillsboro, OR
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Hillsboro, OR?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$81,999
You'd need $6,999 more (9% 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
Hillsboro
Oregon
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,896/mo in Hillsboro and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $483,400 in Hillsboro — 45% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% versus 13.30% in California, so Hillsboro is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 7.25% in California; Hillsboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Hillsboro
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
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 Hillsboro.
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 103.6 vs 113.3).
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize higher median household income ($103,207/yr).
Pick Hillsboro if you prioritize lower state income tax (9.90%).
Is Hillsboro cheaper than Los Angeles?
Hillsboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Hillsboro.
How much is rent in Hillsboro vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,896/mo in Hillsboro, OR and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Hillsboro or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $103,207 in Hillsboro, OR and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Hillsboro, OR 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 — Hillsboro or Los Angeles?
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% and California's is 13.30%. Hillsboro, OR has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Hillsboro income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Hillsboro, OR is equivalent to roughly $109,333 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