Median rent is 40% lower in Ogden ($1,128/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Ogden, where the median home runs $311,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $70,053 a year). Taken together, Ogden 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 Ogden, UT.
Quick verdict
Ogden is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Ogden vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Ogden, UT
How much would you need to earn in Ogden, UT to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Ogden, UT
$62,808
You could earn $12,192 less (16% 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
Ogden
Utah
👥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 Ogden — median rent of $1,128/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $311,300 in Ogden — 65% 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 4.65% in Utah, so Ogden is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.85% in Utah; Ogden has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Ogden
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Ogden.
Pick Ogden 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 Ogden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,128/mo median).
Pick Ogden if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Ogden?
Ogden 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 Ogden.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Ogden?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,128/mo in Ogden, UT. Ogden, UT has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Ogden?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $70,053 in Ogden, UT. 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 — Los Angeles or Ogden?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Utah's is 4.65%. Ogden, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Ogden 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 $83,744 in Ogden, UT (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