How Much Does it Cost to Live in Los Angeles, CA?

Relocating to Los Angeles? While living in LA is considered more expensive, its average cost of living is in line with similar major cities in the U.S. Whether you're moving across the country from places people move or moving a short distance from another California city, you'll want to get an idea of what your main expenses will be. Before moving or hiring professionals, ask movers questions and read our guide to see how much it costs to live in LA!

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Los Angeles?

The average cost of living in Los Angeles is 49.7% higher than the national average. While housing, transportation, and goods & services are the largest contributing factors to living expenses, healthcare and utilities are much closer to the national average. Many residents find the price of living in LA justified, because of the many things to do within the LA metro!

Cost of Housing in Los Angeles

Los Angeles home prices and apartment rent are nearly 133% higher than the national average. However, housing costs in LA can vary depending on whether you buy or rent a home, your home size, and if you settle down in an affordable LA neighborhood. To help offset higher housing costs, the median household income of Los Angeles is 18.0% higher than the national average.

Cost of Utilities in Los Angeles (Monthly)

Utility bills in Los Angeles cost about 7% more than the national average. Energy bills are one of the largest contributing factors to the cost, while phone and internet are in line with national prices. See more detailed utility costs below!

Cost of Groceries in Los Angeles

Buying groceries in Los Angeles is roughly 9% more expensive than the national average—with most residents spending between $300 and $500 per month. Keep in mind that your monthly grocery bill may vary depending on your lifestyle and where you shop. See how much common grocery items cost in LA below!

Cost of Healthcare in Los Angeles

Healthcare in Los Angeles is roughly the same as the national average. While a visit to the dentist may be more expensive, other medical services like doctor's appointments and prescription medication cost less. Check out the estimated pricing for healthcare in LA.

Cost of Transportation in Los Angeles

Most LA residents and commuters drive their cars, so it's important to plan for transportation costs when planning your move. A gallon of gas is significantly more expensive than the national average. However, you can consider other options for getting around the LA metro, like choosing a walkable neighborhood or utilizing public transportation options.

Cost of Goods & Services in Los Angeles

Because Los Angeles is a major U.S. city, the cost of goods and services is usually more expensive. Movie tickets, salon visits, and other services are about 19% more than the national average, but there are a few things you'll save money on like toothpaste or that bottle of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to live in Los Angeles?

Yes, Los Angeles is generally considered an expensive place to live, with the cost of living being 49.7% higher than the national average. As with most major U.S. cities, salaries are usually above national averages to help offset the costs. It is possible to live comfortably in LA with careful budgeting and assessing your financial needs.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Los Angeles?

For a single person living in Los Angeles, the recommended livable wage is around $28.88 per hour or $60,077 per year without taxes and $50,479 per year with taxes. Keep in mind that a livable salary in LA can depend on multiple factors, including whether or not you have children, how big your home is, if you live in an apartment or in a house, and more.

What are the average monthly expenses in Los Angeles?

Your monthly expenses when moving to LA can vary greatly depending on our lifestyle and spending habits, but most single adults spend anywhere from $1,300 to $3,000 per month, excluding rent.

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Moving to Los Angeles? Extra Space Storage has moving resources to help you move, or if you need storage throughout our transition, we have plenty of facilities located across the LA metro. Find a storage unit in Los Angeles today!