Los Angeles, CA is the #12 Most Expensive City in the U.S.
- Housing is 153% higher than the national median. The average home price in Los Angeles is $1,348,783.00. A typical down payment ranges from 15% to 20%, which means you have to pay $176,800 to $235,800 upfront. Additionally, monthly mortgage payments in Los Angeles are 120% higher than the national average.
- Rent is 120.0% higher than the national average. A one-bedroom house in Los Angeles rents for about $2,250, while a two-bedroom averages $3,150. While many rentals come with in-unit laundry and shared amenities, parking is not always included. Yards and private outdoor space are rare, unless you're renting a single-family home.
- Utilities are 7% higher than the national average. Electricity costs around $244.84 per month, and water bills average $75. The Internet costs about $195.79. HOA fees range from $350 to $600, depending on the building. Wildfire insurance can add another $100+ per month due to regional risk.
- Food costs in Los Angeles are 5% higher than the national average. A family of four spends $1,100 to $1,400 a month—more than in Miami or Chicago, but still below New York. Milk costs $5.06 per gallon, and bread is $4.26. Organic produce and dining out can drive your expenses up.
- Transportation costs are 16.59% higher than the US average. Gas prices average $4.49 per gallon, compared to $3.70 nationwide. Moreover, car insurance averages $195 per month, which is slightly above the US median of $183.
- Healthcare in Los Angeles is 0.81% higher the national median. A standard doctor visit costs around $131.98—higher than Miami ($115) or Phoenix ($105). An ER visit without insurance can exceed $3,000. LA offers top-tier care, but it comes at a premium compared to most major US cities.
- Miscellaneous costs are 22.94% higher than average. Gym memberships cost $47.76 per month. Childcare averages $1,500 monthly for full-time care. Entertainment—from concerts to theme parks—is widely available but priced at a premium.
Moving to Los Angeles? Be ready to pay more. But hey, the sunshine’s free—just make sure your paycheck can handle everything else! 👉 Next Step: Compare single-family homes in Los Angeles, California.
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- Homeowners Spend — $156,228.00 per year: Owning a home in LA means steep mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs—especially in neighborhoods like West LA or Sherman Oaks. Add in utilities and groceries, and your budget climbs quickly.
- Renters Spend — $84,876.00 per year: Renting in LA isn't cheap—especially in spots like Silver Lake or Santa Monica. With rent, utilities, transport, and takeout factored in, even modest lifestyles can stretch budgets to $87K a year.
- Families with Kids Spend — $156,408.00 per year: Childcare, larger housing, school activities, and summer camps in LA don't come cheap. From Highland Park to Culver City, raising a family here means spending smart—and spending big.
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Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.



