Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Los Angeles, California

In Los Angeles, California, a gallon of regular gas costs $5.89 as of 2026-04-01 — $1.83 above the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,884, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Los Angeles's cost-of-living index of 128 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$5.89

National: $4.06

202.8%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$2,884

National: $1,900

26.9%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$15.00

Combo meal

3.7%YoY

Electricity

30.29¢

per kWh · ~$273/mo

74.3%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$210/mo

$2,520/yr

17.2%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$87,760

50.1% goes to essentials

50.1%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

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Find Apartments

Avg rent $2,884/mo in Los Angeles. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

$6.99 @ Food 4 Less - Margarita Plaza (FOOD4LESS)

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

$2.99 @ Food 4 Less - Margarita Plaza (FOOD4LESS)

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

$5.00 @ Food 4 Less - Margarita Plaza (FOOD4LESS)

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$6.89 BLS avg

$3.69 @ Food 4 Less - Margarita Plaza (FOOD4LESS)

+31.0%

Bacon (lb)

$9.88 BLS avg

+27.6%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$8.31 BLS avg

+19.1%

Pasta (lb)

$2.44 BLS avg

+32.6%

Rice (5 lb)

$6.74 BLS avg

+26.9%

Coffee (12 oz)

$14.77 BLS avg

+40.1%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$6.95 BLS avg

+47.6%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$5.75 BLS avg

+18.3%

Apples (3 lb)

$6.46 BLS avg

+18.1%

Tomatoes (lb)

$3.41 BLS avg

+28.7%

Lettuce (head)

$2.91 BLS avg

+30.5%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$9.76 BLS avg

+43.1%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$6.33 BLS avg

+21.5%

Cereal (family size)

$8.08 BLS avg

+35.8%

Frozen Pizza

$11.43 BLS avg

+44.3%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$15.00

Casual Dining

$48.13

Monthly Spend

$801.07

+3.73% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $15.55

$25.08

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $17.56

$27.09

+54.3%

Chipotle

2022: $18.81

$28.09

+49.3%

Starbucks

2022: $8.64

$12.00

+38.9%

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Looking for an Apartment in Los Angeles?

Average 1BR: $2,365/mo · 2BR: $3,403/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

4526k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,607

$84k/yr

Top Sector

Education & Health Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$88k

household median

Employment by Sector — Los Angeles

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Education & Health Services
+13.4% 5yr$1,138/wk
20.8%

~$59k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
-4.9% 5yr$1,333/wk
17.7%

~$69k/yr

Professional & Business Services
+0.3% 5yr$2,001/wk
14.2%

~$104k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
-1.9% 5yr$1,032/wk
11.8%

~$54k/yr

Construction
-8.0% 5yr$1,845/wk
6.9%

~$96k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 06037

Highest Paying Sector

Information

$3,397/wk · $177k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$1,032/wk · $54k/yr

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