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Wondering what it really costs to live in Los Angeles? The cost of living index for Los Angeles is 173 — where 100 equals the national average. That means living in Los Angeles costs significantly more expensive than the national average (index: 173). Use this calculator to compare Los Angeles to another city or to find out what salary you'd need to maintain your current lifestyle after a move.
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Cost of Living Comparison

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100 = U.S. national average
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Los Angeles Tip: With a cost of living index of 173, Los Angeles is one of the more expensive metros in the U.S.. If you're relocating to Los Angeles from a city with a different index, the equivalent salary calculator above can show you how much more or less you'd need to earn to maintain the same standard of living.

Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA

The cost of living index compares cities relative to a national baseline of 100. Use the calculator above to find the equivalent salary you'd need in Los Angeles to maintain your current standard of living — or to see how much further your paycheck would go if you're moving to Los Angeles from a more expensive city.

What Drives Los Angeles's Cost of Living?

Housing is the largest cost-of-living variable across U.S. cities. Los Angeles's housing costs, combined with utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare, determine its total cost index. The calculator above uses the index pre-filled for Los Angeles — you can adjust it if you have updated data.

How to Use the Equivalent Salary Calculator

Enter your current city's index (or use 100 for the national average), set Los Angeles's index, and enter your current salary. The calculator returns the salary that gives you equivalent purchasing power in Los Angeles. If the number is lower than your current salary, Los Angeles is more affordable. If it's higher, you'd need a raise to maintain your lifestyle.

Other Cost Factors in Los Angeles

Beyond housing, consider state income tax rates in CA, local sales tax, commute costs, childcare, and health insurance premiums. These vary significantly from city to city and can substantially shift your real cost of living beyond what any single index captures.