Median rent is 21% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $2,388/mo). Buying is cheaper in Los Angeles, where the median home runs $879,500 versus $1,202,500. Households earn more in Newton ($184,989 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Newton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 112.2 against 113.3 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Newton, MA.
Quick verdict
Newton is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 112.2 in Newton vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Newton, MA
How much would you need to earn in Newton, MA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Newton, MA
$74,258
You could earn $742 less (1% 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
Newton
Massachusetts
👥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 Los Angeles — median rent of $1,879/mo versus $2,388/mo in Newton, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newton: the median home is $1,202,500 versus $879,500 in Los Angeles — 27% 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 9.00% in Massachusetts, so Newton is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Newton has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Newton
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Newton.
Pick Newton if you prioritize higher median household income ($184,989/yr).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,879/mo median).
Pick Newton if you prioritize lower state income tax (9.00%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Newton?
Newton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 112.2 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Newton.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Newton?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $2,388/mo in Newton, MA. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Newton?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $184,989 in Newton, MA. Newton, MA 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 Newton?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Massachusetts's is 9.00%. Newton, MA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newton 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 $99,011 in Newton, MA (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