How much does it cost to live in Los Angeles?

Typical monthly costs in Los Angeles are approximately $2,400 in rent and $2,000 in other expenses, totalling around $4,400/month.

How much should I save in Los Angeles?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a very high cost city like Los Angeles, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

Los Angeles · USD · very high cost city

Cost of living in Los Angeles — is your salary enough?

LA median rent sits around $2,400/month; car ownership adds $800–1,200/month in transport costs for most. LA's combined housing and transport burden is among the highest in the US relative to median income.

Rent in Los Angeles

Budget$1,800 – $2,150/mo

Typical$2,400 – $2,750/mo

Premium$3,100+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$2,000/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$4,400/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical Los Angeles costs ($2,400 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving -42.5%

Critical

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving -14.4%

Critical

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 15%

Under-Saving

See your personal verdict for Los Angeles

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$2,400/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your Los Angeles salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your Los Angeles rent too high?