Cost of Living in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has an overall cost-of-living index of 166.8 (national average = 100). This is higher than the California statewide average of 143.1. Median home prices are $920,000 and average 2BR rent is $2,950/month.

Yes, Los Angeles is more expensive than the national average with an index of 166.8. Housing is the biggest factor at 295% of the national average.

Average 2-bedroom rent in Los Angeles is $2,950/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the California statewide average of $2,792/month.

Groceries in Los Angeles have an index of 108 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $443 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $5.35.

Center-based infant childcare in Los Angeles averages $22,500/year ($1,875/month). This is significantly higher than the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

Los Angeles's housing index is 295 vs the California statewide average of 199.4. Median home prices are $920,000 in Los Angeles vs $785,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $2,950/month vs $2,792/month statewide.

A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $125,100 in Los Angeles. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.

Based on Los Angeles's cost-of-living index of 166.8, a single adult needs approximately $83,400–$93,400/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by Los Angeles's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.