Cost of Living in Los Angeles, California (2026)
COL Index
173
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$2,800
per month
Median HHI
$71K
per year
State Tax
9.3%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $2,200 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $2,800 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $3,800 |
| Median home price | $850K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 108 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $18 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $75 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $4.50 |
| Car insurance/mo | $195 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $145 |
| Internet/mo | $70 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $71K |
| State income tax rate | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10.3% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 173 |
| Walk score / 100 | 68 |
Is Los Angeles affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,418/mo take-home
116% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,773/mo take-home
101% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,328/mo take-home
84% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,159/mo take-home
67% rent burden · Difficult
$80K
~$4,437/mo take-home
63% rent burden · Difficult
$100K
~$5,546/mo take-home
50% rent burden · Difficult
$120K
~$6,225/mo take-home
45% rent burden · Tight
$150K
~$7,781/mo take-home
36% rent burden · Tight
Too expensive? Find cheaper alternatives.
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only