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Los Angeles, California

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

47
Overall Score

Los Angeles, often referred to as L.A., is the most populous city in California and the second-most populous in the United States, with an estimated population of 3.86 million residents in 2026. Known globally as the center of the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, the city is a vibrant hub of culture, finance, and commerce in Southern California. People are drawn to Los Angeles for its diverse economy, Mediterranean climate, and a lifestyle rich in arts, dining, and outdoor activities. The city's sprawling landscape encompasses a wide array of neighborhoods, each offering a unique character and community feel, from the bustling downtown to the serene coastal areas.

About California

California is a diverse and populous state known for its significant economic output, ranking as the fourth largest economy globally if it were an independent nation. Its economy is driven by major industries such as technology (especially in Silicon Valley), real estate, finance, professional services, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Living in California generally entails a high cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly above the national average. The state boasts a varied climate, ranging from a Mediterranean-like environment with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters in coastal and central areas, to hotter, drier inland summers and colder, snowier conditions at higher altitudes. The lifestyle often emphasizes outdoor activities, health and wellness, and a diverse cultural experience, though it can also involve considerable traffic in major urban centers.

3,863,148
Population
$49K
Avg Salary
149
Cost Index
47.1
Quality Score
How this 47/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 58 / 100 58.0 30% 17.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 149.0 0.0 25% 0.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $81,939 Income needed to live here: $61,558 Unemployment rate: 5.2% 63.2 20% 12.6
Growth Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 2.2% 64.0 15% 9.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 47.1

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=86), last refreshed 3 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Los Angeles

Featured local businesses in Los Angeles.

Put your business in front of people moving to Los Angeles Featured businesses appear here for everyone researching Los Angeles. Add a featured spot to your banner package, or start with a free listing.

Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
70
Affordability
45
Growth
65

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average, with an index of 149.4 in November 2025, indicating it is approximately 49.4% more expensive than the U.S. average. Housing expenses are the primary driver of these elevated costs, being 135% higher than the national average. While other expenses like groceries are also higher, they do not climb as steeply as housing. For instance, grocery prices are about 9% higher than the national average. A single person would need to earn approximately $61,558 per year to live comfortably in the city as of November 2025.

Average Rent
$2,184/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Utilities
$231/mo
Healthcare
$150/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$16.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$450.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Los Angeles County, with an economic GDP exceeding $1 trillion in 2024, is a major economic powerhouse. The city's job market is diverse, with key growth sectors including Health Care and Social Assistance, Private Educational Services, Information (encompassing Hollywood and technology), and Leisure and Hospitality. Nonfarm payroll jobs in Los Angeles County were forecast to increase by 2.2% in 2025. Despite a slight decline in overall population, these industries continue to offer significant employment opportunities, attracting talent from various fields. The region's robust economy is also supported by trade, transportation, and utilities, making it a critical hub for commerce.

The average salary in Los Angeles is $48,651 per year. You would need approximately $61,558 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Leisure and Hospitality Health Care and Social Assistance Information (Entertainment & Tech) Trade, Transportation, and Utilities Private Educational Services

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Los Angeles is widely recognized as a car-dependent city, with private cars accounting for 93% of all passenger kilometers traveled in 2022. This reliance on personal vehicles contributes to significant traffic congestion; Los Angeles was ranked the most congested city in the U.S. in 2025, with an average congestion level of nearly 60%. The average commute time for Angelenos is 30 minutes. Despite this, the city is investing in mobility improvements, including bus and bike lanes, and expanding its public transit system, such as the Metro D Line subway extension, to offer more alternatives to driving.

30 min
Avg Commute
/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, particularly in entertainment, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering varied job opportunities.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Healthcare quality is high, with major institutions like LA General Medical Center receiving top safety grades and exceeding state benchmarks.
Los Angeles is a global cultural hub, offering a rich array of arts, dining, and entertainment options.
Homicides in Los Angeles decreased by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the lowest number since 1966.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly high, with housing expenses being 135% higher than the national average.
Los Angeles is a highly car-dependent city, leading to severe traffic congestion and long commute times, averaging 30 minutes.
The city's population is experiencing a slight annual decline, with a -0.15% growth rate projected for 2026.
Despite improvements, Los Angeles's safety score of 58/100 indicates a moderate crime rate, higher than the average U.S. city.
Utility costs in Los Angeles are 9% higher than the national average, adding to the overall expense of living.

Questions about Los Angeles

What people ask about living in and moving to Los Angeles, California.

What public transit options exist for commuting? Getting Around 1 answer

Los Angeles offers a network of buses, rapid transit lines, and commuter rail that serve most of the city and surrounding suburbs. These services are coordinated by the regional transit authority and provide connections to major employment hubs. To plan routes, use the transit authority’s online trip planner, which includes schedules, fare information, and real‑time updates.

How safe is Los Angeles for families? Safety 1 answer

Los Angeles has a safety score of 58.0 out of 100. This indicates moderate risk relative to other U.S. cities. Crime rates vary by neighborhood; some areas have higher incidents of property crime, while others experience fewer issues. For a detailed assessment, look at neighborhood crime maps and consult local law‑enforcement statistics available through city portals.

How much does a typical apartment cost in LA? Housing 1 answer

The average monthly rent in Los Angeles is about $2,184. This figure reflects a broad range of apartment sizes and locations. In neighborhoods closer to downtown or the beach, rents can be higher, while outer districts may offer slightly lower rates. It’s wise to compare listings on local real‑estate portals and consider factors like proximity to public transit, parking, and amenities, as these can affect the price.

Is LA expensive compared to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Los Angeles has a cost‑of‑living index of 149, meaning it is 49% more expensive than the national average (index 100). This includes higher housing costs, groceries, utilities, and transportation. When budgeting, factor in the elevated rent and consider that everyday expenses like dining and entertainment also tend to be above the national average.

What is the overall vibe of living in Los Angeles? General 1 answer

Los Angeles is known for its diverse neighborhoods, mild Mediterranean climate, and strong emphasis on entertainment, fashion, and technology. Residents often enjoy a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles, with plenty of outdoor recreation, cultural events, and culinary diversity. The city’s large population creates a vibrant, fast‑paced environment, though traffic congestion and high living costs are common challenge...

What cultural attractions can I visit in LA? Things to Do 1 answer

Los Angeles offers a diverse array of cultural venues, including art museums, performing‑arts theaters, and outdoor amphitheaters. The city hosts festivals, film premieres, and music concerts year‑round. To find current events, consult the city’s cultural affairs portal, which lists upcoming shows, exhibitions, and community gatherings.

What should I know about moving into LA? Moving Here 1 answer

When relocating to Los Angeles, consider the high demand for housing, which can shorten the rental search window. It’s advisable to start looking at least three months in advance, prepare a rental application with proof of income, and be ready for a security deposit. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local utility providers and the city’s resident registration requirements.

What is the average salary for tech workers in LA? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average salary in Los Angeles is $48,651 per year. Tech roles often pay above this average, but pay varies widely by experience, specialization, and company size. To gauge realistic offers, review salary ranges posted on local job boards and consult industry reports that break down compensation by role and seniority.

Are there good hospitals near my potential new home? Healthcare 1 answer

Los Angeles hosts several hospitals and medical centers offering a wide range of specialties. They are distributed across the metropolitan area, with larger facilities in central and northern districts. For specific services, check the city’s health department website or local directories that list hospital ratings, specialties, and patient reviews.

What are the public school options like in LA? Schools & Education 1 answer

The city’s public school system comprises many districts with varying performance levels. School quality can differ significantly between neighborhoods, so reviewing district performance reports and student‑teacher ratios is essential. The school district website provides enrollment data, academic rankings, and information on school programs.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Los Angeles? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

California FAQ answer

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

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