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Cost of Living in
Los Angeles

  • List2
    Rank #12
    Info
    To compile our rankings, we analyzed the factors associated with living costs like housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
  • List2
    Living cost is 49.8% higher than avg
  • List2
    Families spend upto $13,034/mo on avg
  • List2
    Homeowners spend $13,019/mo on avg
  • List2
    Renters spend $7,073/mo on avg

Cost of Living in
Los Angeles

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Los Angeles, CA is the #12 Most Expensive City in the U.S.

U.S. Avg.
Los Angeles, CA
Diff
Home Price
$532,491
$1,348,783
graph trend 153%
Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$3,007
graph trend 120%
U.S. Avg.
Los Angeles, CA
Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$195.79
graph trend 11%
Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$244.84
graph trend 22%
U.S. Avg.
Los Angeles, CA
Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$6.51
graph trend 4%
Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.34
graph trend 3%
Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$4.03
graph trend 17%
Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$10
graph trend 62%
Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$21.12
graph trend 8%
Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.46
graph trend 14%
Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$2.06
graph trend 13%
Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.13
graph trend 10%
Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$4.26
graph trend 10%
Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$2.67
graph trend 63%
Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$3.24
graph trend 89%
Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$16.66
graph trend 15%
Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$5.53
graph trend 6%
Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$7.48
graph trend 13%
Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$2.87
graph trend 17%
Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.37
graph trend 21%
Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$7.14
graph trend 9%
Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$4.84
graph trend 7%
Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.40
$3.19
graph trend 28%
Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$2.09
graph trend 6%
Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.83
graph trend 30%
Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$5.08
graph trend 9%
Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$4.88
graph trend 4%
Margarine (per lb)
$1.30
$1.79
graph trend 38%
Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$3.64
graph trend 9%
Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$5.06
graph trend 24%
Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.36
graph trend 11%
U.S. Avg.
Los Angeles, CA
Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$74.84
graph trend 7%
Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$4.49
graph trend 55%
U.S. Avg.
Los Angeles, CA
Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$131.98
graph trend 14%
Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$133.38
graph trend 8%
Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$12.17
graph trend 2%
Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$18.05
graph trend 13%
Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$154.71
graph trend 62%
U.S. Avg.
Los Angeles, CA
Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$35.88
graph trend 1%
Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$35.91
graph trend 22%
Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$39.01
graph trend 1%
Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$9.83
graph trend 31%
Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$11.11
graph trend 1%
Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$103.34
graph trend 58%
Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$3.92
graph trend 9%
Yoga (per class)
$12
$24.92
graph trend 108%
Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$19.33
graph trend 66%
Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$5
graph trend 74%
Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$96.84
graph trend 12%
Women Slacks
$34.88
$37.64
graph trend 8%
Boy Jeans
$29.51
$33.37
graph trend 13%
Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$38.73
graph trend 1%
Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$24.9
graph trend 85%
Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.58
graph trend 2%
Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$4.03
graph trend 11%
Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$102.06
graph trend 115%
Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$30.19
graph trend 11%
Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$6.66
graph trend 52%
Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$17
graph trend 42%
Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$6.75
graph trend 28%
Welcome to the City of Angels—where the cost of living is 49.8% higher than the national average. After all, sunshine, stardom, and smoothies don't come cheap. From the glitz of Hollywood to the buzz of Silicon Beach, Los Angeles blends showbiz sparkle with tech hustle. But behind the palm trees and premiere parties lies a city where even the groceries and gas know they're in high demand.
  • 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.

Is Living in Los Angeles, CA Expensive?

Yes, LA is expensive to live in. The average cost of living in Los Angeles, California, is 49.8% higher than the national average. If you're comparing the price of living in Los Angeles with other major cities, housing alone is 153% higher.
With a $700K budget, you might find a small condo or an older single-family home in LA, whereas the same money can buy a spacious home with a backyard in Phoenix or Houston. High prices for food, utilities, transportation, and everyday expenses make careful budgeting key for many middle-class families.

Housing in Los Angeles

+
If you're buying a home in Los Angeles, expect costs well above the national average—housing is 153% higher than the US median. Mortgage rates range from 6.5% to 7%, and HOA fees can add $350–$600 monthly. Here's a quick look at what to expect:

Utilities in Los Angeles

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Food and Groceries in Los Angeles

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Transportation in Los Angeles

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Healthcare in Los Angeles

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Miscellaneous Costs in Los Angeles

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What Salary Do You Need to Live in Los Angeles, CA?

Given the cost of living in LA, budgeting isn't optional—it's survival. While the average salary in LA is 49.8% higher, most people spend far more just to keep up. Homeowners shell out around $156,228.00/year, renters about $84,876.00/year, and families with kids need at least $156,408.00/year to stay comfortable in the City of Angels. Between high rent, endless traffic, and tacos that somehow cost $7, it all adds up fast.
  • 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.

Is Los Angeles, CA Too Expensive? Find Homes in Los Angeles, CA as Per Your Budget

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What is a Cost of Living Calculator?

A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Los Angeles cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.

About Cost of Living Data

The data used to determine Los Angeles's cost of living is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure consistency and quality. For more information, visit www.coli.org. Data published as of Oct 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.

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