Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Expensive by national standards, with housing and transportation doing most of the damage.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 150
Median 2BR rent: $3,400/mo
Housing: 178 vs 100
Groceries: 109 vs 100
Utilities: 102 vs 100
Transportation: 118 vs 100
Healthcare: 103 vs 100
Los Angeles blends sunshine, beaches, and a sprawling job market with high housing costs and a car-dependent layout. Where you live relative to where you work matters a lot for your real monthly spend.