A single person needs roughly $6,037 per month to live in Los Angeles, including about $3,200 for a one-bedroom rental. That works out to a pre-tax salary of around $186,000 per year to live comfortably.

Is Los Angeles expensive to live in?▾

Los Angeles has a cost-of-living index of 113, which is 13% above the US average of 100 — rated "Expensive". Rent is about 113% higher than the national average.

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

To cover typical costs comfortably (a 50/30/20 budget), a single person needs a pre-tax salary of about $186,000 per year in Los Angeles. Families or higher savers will need more.

Estimates for 2024 based on BEA Regional Price Parities + U.S. Census Bureau ACS. For general comparison only, not exact budgeting. Published 2026-06-03.

Loading Legacy