Struggling to make ends meet in LA? Experts reveal the salary you need for a stress-free life in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is undoubtedly seen as one of the United States’ — and indeed the world’s — most glamorous cities, largely due to the Hollywood effect. But while the rich and famous from the acting world flock to Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Malibu and the like, mere mortals are having a harder time getting by.

The results of a study carried out by SmartAsset show why, although there are a number of other American cities in which you’re even less likely to have spare cash floating around.

The objective of the research was to calculate the salary needed to “live comfortably” in the 100 largest cities in the United States, both for “single adults” and for “two adults with two children”.

The price of living in Los Angeles

In the first of those two categories, it was worked out that a single adult would need a minimum of $115,690 to have a stress-free life in LA. That’s the 16th highest figure of the cities studied, but quite a way off San Jose, which is easily the most expensive ($147,430).

The Capital of Silicon Valley keeps its place in the second category, with $371,571 reportedly required for a family of four to live a comfortable life there. With “just” $271,981, Los Angeles may feel almost affordable by comparison, but that makes it the 22nd dearest place to live in the United States.

Low salaries and high costs for LA residents

Of course, those figures are compounded when you consider the median household income in LA. is only $79,701. A report carried out by UCLA in 2023 found that approximately 64% of California’s young workers earned low wages, and 60% reported difficulty affording their expenses.

That, combined with significantly higher housing, transportation and childcare costs compared to the national average, means budgeting is an essential part of Los Angeles life for many of the city’s residents.

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