House Affordability in Los Angeles

Median home price: $950K · Property tax: 0.74% · Insurance: $1,500/yr

You can afford a home up to

$211,009

Below entry-level in Los Angeles

Based on your $75,000 income with 20% down

Studio in Koreatown/East Hollywood
$211K$89K more →
28%Recommended
$
%
%

Monthly payment breakdown

$1,750/mo

P&I$1,095
Tax$130
Insurance$125
HOA$400

Home price

$211,009

Down payment

$42,202

Loan amount

$168,807

No PMI

Waived (20%+ down)

Estimates based on the 28/36 DTI guideline with Los Angeles-specific property tax and insurance rates. Actual mortgage approval depends on credit score, employment history, and lender criteria.

Los Angeles Housing Market Overview

Los Angeles offers diverse housing from beachfront properties to inland suburbs. Prop 13 keeps property taxes relatively low for long-term homeowners.

The median home price in Los Angeles is $950,000, which is 131% above the national median of $412,000. Property taxes average 0.74% of assessed value, adding $586/month to housing costs.

Homeowners insurance averages $1,500/year ($125/month). Condos and townhomes typically carry HOA fees around $400/month.

What can you buy in Los Angeles?

Typical price ranges by property type in Los Angeles, CA (2024/2025 estimates).

Property type Price range Down payment (20%)
Studio in Koreatown/East Hollywood $300K – $450K $60K – $90K
1-bed condo in Silver Lake/Echo Park $450K – $700K $90K – $140K
2-bed in Valley (Sherman Oaks/Burbank) $650K – $950K $130K – $190K
3-bed in Culver City/Mid-City $950K – $1.40M $190K – $280K
3-bed in Westside (Santa Monica/Mar Vista) $1.40M – $2.00M $280K – $400K
4-bed in West LA/Pacific Palisades $2.00M – $3.50M $400K – $700K

Sources: Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com (2024/2025 estimates). Prices vary by neighborhood.

Income needed to buy in Los Angeles

Minimum annual income to afford each property type at 28% DTI, 20% down, 6.75% rate.

Property type Midpoint price Income needed
Studio in Koreatown/East Hollywood $375K $98,659/yr
1-bed condo in Silver Lake/Echo Park $575K $148,420/yr
2-bed in Valley (Sherman Oaks/Burbank) $800K $204,401/yr
3-bed in Culver City/Mid-City $1.18M $297,703/yr
3-bed in Westside (Santa Monica/Mar Vista) $1.70M $428,326/yr
4-bed in West LA/Pacific Palisades $2.75M $689,571/yr

Green = achievable at Los Angeles's median household income of $83,000.

Cost of living context

The median household income in Los Angeles is $83,000, which is 11% above the national median of $75,000.

At the median income, a household can afford roughly $312K using the 28% DTI rule — which falls short of the $950K median. Many buyers need dual incomes, a larger down payment, or lower price points.

FAQ

Can I afford a house in Los Angeles on a $100,000 salary?

At $100K with 20% down and 6.75% interest, you can afford roughly $380K in Los Angeles using the 28% DTI rule. The median home price is $950K, so you may need to look at lower price points or increase your down payment.

What income do I need to buy a house in Los Angeles?

To afford the median price of $950K with 20% down at 6.75%, you need approximately $241,722/year (28% DTI). The median household income in Los Angeles is $83,000, which is below what is needed.

What are property taxes like in Los Angeles?

The average property tax rate is 0.74%, or $7,030/year on a median-priced home. This is below the national average of 1.2%.

What does a 3-bed in culver city/mid-city cost in Los Angeles?

A typical 3-bed in culver city/mid-city costs between $950K and $1.40M, with the midpoint around $1.18M.

Is Los Angeles affordable compared to other cities?

Los Angeles's median price of $950K is 131% above the national median of $412K. Median household income is $83,000, 11% above the national median.

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