Median rent is 5% lower in Towson ($1,784/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Towson, where the median home runs $445,100 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Towson ($100,481 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Towson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 113.3 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Towson, MD.
Quick verdict
Towson is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.4 in Towson vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Towson, MD
How much would you need to earn in Towson, MD to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Towson, MD
$67,792
You could earn $7,208 less (10% 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
Towson
Maryland
👥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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,879/mo in Los Angeles and $1,784/mo in Towson. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $445,100 in Towson — 49% 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 5.75% in Maryland, so Towson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Maryland; Towson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Towson
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Towson.
Pick Towson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 113.3).
Pick Towson if you prioritize higher median household income ($100,481/yr).
Pick Towson if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Towson?
Towson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Towson.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Towson?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,784/mo in Towson, MD. Towson, MD has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Towson?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $100,481 in Towson, MD. Towson, MD 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 Towson?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Maryland's is 5.75%. Towson, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Towson 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 $90,390 in Towson, MD (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