Median rent is 37% lower in Roseville ($1,175/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Roseville, where the median home runs $142,700 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $61,222 a year). Taken together, Roseville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.9 against 113.3 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Roseville is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 109.9 in Roseville vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Roseville, MI
How much would you need to earn in Roseville, MI to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Roseville, MI
$72,747
You could earn $2,253 less (3% 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
Roseville
Michigan
👥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 Roseville — median rent of $1,175/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $142,700 in Roseville — 84% 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 4.25% in Michigan, so Roseville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Michigan; Roseville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Roseville
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Roseville.
Pick Roseville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 109.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Roseville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,175/mo median).
Pick Roseville if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Roseville?
Roseville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Roseville.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Roseville?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,175/mo in Roseville, MI. Roseville, MI has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Roseville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $61,222 in Roseville, MI. 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 Roseville?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Roseville, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Roseville 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 $96,996 in Roseville, MI (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