Median rent is 45% lower in Salisbury ($1,030/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Salisbury, where the median home runs $215,200 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $51,058 a year). Taken together, Salisbury is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.1 against 113.3 — about 23% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Salisbury is 23% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.1 in Salisbury vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Salisbury, NC
How much would you need to earn in Salisbury, NC to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Salisbury, NC
$57,672
You could earn $17,328 less (23% 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
Salisbury
North Carolina
👥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 Salisbury — median rent of $1,030/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 45% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $215,200 in Salisbury — 76% 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 4.50% in North Carolina, so Salisbury is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.75% in North Carolina; Salisbury has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Salisbury
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Salisbury.
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,030/mo median).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Salisbury?
Salisbury is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 23% lower in Salisbury.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Salisbury?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,030/mo in Salisbury, NC. Salisbury, NC has the lower rent by about 45%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Salisbury?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $51,058 in Salisbury, NC. 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 Salisbury?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Salisbury, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Salisbury 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 $76,897 in Salisbury, NC (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