Median rent is 8% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Los Angeles, where the median home runs $879,500 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Temple City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Temple City, CA.
Quick verdict
Temple City is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Temple City vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Temple City, CA
How much would you need to earn in Temple City, CA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Temple City, CA
$60,876
You could earn $14,124 less (19% 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
Temple City
California
👥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 Los Angeles at $1,879/mo compared to $2,034/mo in Temple City (8% gap). Median home values are within 5% of each other: $879,500 in Los Angeles and $930,200 in Temple City.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so Temple City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; Temple City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Temple City.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 113.3).
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/yr).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Temple City?
Temple City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Temple City.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Temple City?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Temple City?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $102,449 in Temple City, CA. Temple City, 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 Temple City?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. Temple City, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Temple City 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 $81,168 in Temple City, CA (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