Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Monica, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Los Angeles has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Santa Monica | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 180 | 320 | Los Angeles |
| Housing | 253 ($1,315) | 520 ($1,637) | Los Angeles |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Santa Monica |
| Food & groceries | 108 ($443) | 147 ($603) | Los Angeles |
| Utilities | 177 ($455) | 310 ($936) | Los Angeles |
| Healthcare | 177 ($329) | 310 ($676) | Los Angeles |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles, CA or Santa Monica, CA cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles, CA is cheaper overall by about 140 index points (Los Angeles, CA: 180, Santa Monica, CA: 320; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Monica, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $63,000/year in Los Angeles, CA and $112,000/year in Santa Monica, CA to cover basic living costs.