Cost of Living in Los Angeles, United States
United States · North America
$3,900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
94
Cost Index
NYC=100
96
Rent Index
NYC=100
70
Quality of Life
Good
46
Safety Index
Below Average
3.9M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $18 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $80 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $11 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $6 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $3.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $11 |
| Beef (1kg) | $15 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.75 |
| Monthly Pass | $100 |
| Taxi 1km | $3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $26000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $130 |
| Mobile Plan | $60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $65 |
| Fitness Club/month | $80 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,800/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $2,000/mo |
| 3BR Center | $5,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $3,500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $10,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $7,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $5200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
View Cost of Living in United States
Cost of Living in Los Angeles — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Los Angeles, United States is approximately $3,900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Los Angeles has a cost index of 94, making it around 6% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Los Angeles costs around $2,000/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,800/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $5,500/month. The rent index is 96 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Los Angeles scores 70/100 on the quality of life index and 46/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 72/100. The climate index is 88/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Los Angeles is approximately $5,200/month. With a purchasing power index of 88/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Los Angeles
The average monthly salary in Los Angeles is approximately $5,200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 88/100.
Healthcare Costs in Los Angeles
Healthcare quality in Los Angeles is rated 72/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a quality of life score of 70/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Los Angeles
Students living in Los Angeles should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Los Angeles
Expats moving to Los Angeles often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Los Angeles, United States is approximately $3,900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 94 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 94 and a quality of life score of 70/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $5,200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Los Angeles provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in United States and around the world.
Key Facts About Los Angeles
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,900
- Cost Index: 94
- Rent Index: 96
- Average Salary: $5,200
- Quality of Life: 70/100
- Safety Score: 46/100
- Country: United States
- Currency: USD
Is Los Angeles Expensive?
Los Angeles has a cost index of 94 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Los Angeles compare to other cities?
Los Angeles is located in North America with a population of approximately 3.9M. At a cost index of 94 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Los Angeles stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles?
The average cost of living in Los Angeles, United States is approximately $3,900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 94 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Los Angeles?
Rent in Los Angeles varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 96 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Los Angeles alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Los Angeles expensive to live in?
Los Angeles has a cost index of 94 compared to New York City (100). At 94, Los Angeles is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,900.
What is the quality of life in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a quality of life index of 70/100 and a safety index of 46/100. The city is located in North America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Los Angeles compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Los Angeles with any city worldwide. Los Angeles's cost index is 94 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Los Angeles?
Many residents live comfortably in Los Angeles with a monthly budget of around $3,900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Los Angeles good for expats?
Los Angeles is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Los Angeles?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Los Angeles.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than New York?
Yes, Los Angeles has a cost index of 94 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Los Angeles?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Los Angeles.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Los Angeles
Cheapest Ways to Live in Los Angeles
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Los Angeles typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $2,000/month compared to $2,800/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Los Angeles, United States.
Is Los Angeles Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 88/100 and a quality of life score of 70/100, Los Angeles is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 94 relative to New York City, Los Angeles remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living United States has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Los Angeles Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Los Angeles", "Los Angeles monthly expenses 2026", and "is Los Angeles affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,900, a safety score of 46/100, and healthcare rated 72/100, Los Angeles offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to United States.
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