City Cost of Living ReportCalifornia (CA)
Los Angeles, CA Cost of Living
Detailed 2026 economic index for Los Angeles. Compare median home values ($915,000), average monthly rent ($2850/mo), local taxes, groceries, and salary conversion equivalents.
Overall COL Index
174.2
74% above US avgMedian Income$69,778
Median Home Price$915,000
Median Rent$2850/mo
Population3,849,297
AdvertisementSlot #city-header-leaderboard
Cost Index Breakdown vs US Average (100)
Scores above 100 represent higher than national average costs; scores below 100 indicate greater affordability.
US Baseline = 100
Housing Index
+182% higher282.4
Food & Groceries
+20% higher119.5
Utilities
+15% higher114.8
Transportation
+38% higher138.2
Healthcare
+9% higher109.1
Itemized Cost Breakdown in Los Angeles
Monthly Groceries
| Gallon of Whole Milk | $4.25 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | $3.80 |
| Dozen Large Eggs | $4.90 |
| Boneless Chicken Breast (1 lb) | $5.20 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.65 |
| Estimated Monthly Grocery Bill | $510/mo |
Utilities & Internet
| Electricity (900 sq ft apartment) | $165.00 |
| Water & Garbage Service | $75.00 |
| High-Speed Broadband Internet (60+ Mbps) | $70.00 |
| Natural Gas Heating | $55.00 |
| Average Monthly Utilities Total | $365/mo |
Transportation & Transit
| Regular Gasoline (per gallon) | $4.95 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $100.00 |
| Taxi Initial Tariff | $3.15 |
| Average Commute Time | 32.5 mins |
| Est. Monthly Commuter Cost | $460/mo |
Healthcare & Medical
| Primary Care Doctor Visit | $145 |
| Dental Checkup & Cleaning | $130 |
| Optometrist Eye Exam | $120 |
| Average Prescription Rx | $58 |
| Individual Policy Monthly Premium | $480/mo |
Tax Structure in Los Angeles, CA
Understanding state income, local sales tax, and effective property tax burden.
State Income Tax
13.3%
Top state income tax bracketCombined Sales Tax
9.50%
State (7.25%) + Local (2.25%)Effective Property Tax
1.15%
Est. $10,522.5/yr on median homeFederal Tax Baseline
US Standard
Standard IRS tax brackets applyAdvertisementSlot #city-mid-rectangle
Interactive Historical Trends & Charts
Housing & Rent Inflation Trend (2020 – 2026)
Category Breakdown vs National Benchmark
Pros of Living in Los Angeles
- •Year-round warm, sunny weather and ocean access
- •Dominant global center for entertainment, media, and tech
- •Diverse neighborhood cultures, dining, and outdoor activities
Cons of Living in Los Angeles
- •Heavy traffic congestion and longer average commute times
- •High housing costs and high state income tax rates
Top Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Silver Lake
Hip neighborhood with reservoir views and great coffee shops
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2750/mo
Santa Monica
Beachfront living with walkable shopping and pier attractions
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$3800/mo
Culver City
Tech & studio hub with easy light-rail access to Downtown LA
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2900/mo
Frequently Asked Questions — Living in Los Angeles, CA
Authoritative 2026 economic index, housing market, and salary questions.
The overall cost of living index for Los Angeles, CA is 174.2, benchmarked against the US national average baseline of 100. This means Los Angeles is 74% more expensive than the national average.