Median rent is 14% lower in Newport ($1,612/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Newport, where the median home runs $669,500 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Newport ($83,562 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Newport is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 113.3 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Newport, RI.
Quick verdict
Newport is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.9 in Newport vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Newport, RI
How much would you need to earn in Newport, RI to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Newport, RI
$64,805
You could earn $10,195 less (14% lower) and break even.
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
Los Angeles
California
Newport
Rhode Island
👥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 Newport at $1,612/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $669,500 in Newport — 24% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 5.99% in Rhode Island, so Newport is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.00% in Rhode Island; Newport has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Newport
Income tax: 5.99%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Newport.
Pick Newport if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Newport if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,612/mo median).
Pick Newport if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.99%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Newport?
Newport is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Newport.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Newport?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,612/mo in Newport, RI. Newport, RI has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Newport?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $83,562 in Newport, RI. Newport, RI 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 — Los Angeles or Newport?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Rhode Island's is 5.99%. Newport, RI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newport to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $86,406 in Newport, RI (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