Median rent is 17% lower in Troy ($1,557/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Troy, where the median home runs $396,800 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Troy ($119,299 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Troy is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.6 against 113.3 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Troy, MI.
Quick verdict
Troy is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.6 in Troy vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Troy, MI
How much would you need to earn in Troy, MI to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Troy, MI
$63,929
You could earn $11,071 less (15% 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
Troy
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Troy at $1,557/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $396,800 in Troy — 55% 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 Troy is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Michigan; Troy has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Troy
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Troy.
Pick Troy if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.6 vs 113.3).
Pick Troy if you prioritize higher median household income ($119,299/yr).
Pick Troy if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,557/mo median).
Pick Troy if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Troy?
Troy is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Troy.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Troy?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,557/mo in Troy, MI. Troy, MI has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Troy?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $119,299 in Troy, MI. Troy, MI 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 Troy?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Troy, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Troy 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 $85,238 in Troy, 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