Salary guide · US
What salary do you need to live in Los Angeles?
Rent in Los Angeles ranges from $1,500 to $4,500/month. The salary you need depends on which tier you're aiming for. Despite the numbers, the median Los Angeles renter spends 38% of income on rent — above the 30% guideline — because many earn less than the "comfortable" threshold.
Salary thresholds for Los Angeles
Afford the cheapest 10% of rentals ($1,500/mo) spending 35% of income
Tight but possible in budget-end areas
Afford median rent ($2,700/mo) at the recommended 30% rule
Standard benchmark for financial stability
Afford upper-tier rent ($4,500/mo) spending 25% of income
Room for savings and lifestyle spending
How Los Angeles renters actually spend
Source: US Census ACS 2022 + UCLA Lewis Center housing research · 2022–2023
Context: Los Angeles median income
The "comfortable" salary threshold ($108,000/yr) is 59% above the city median income — explaining why housing costs are a pressure point for many local residents.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to live in Los Angeles?
To afford budget-level accommodation (bottom 10% of the market, around $1,500/month) without spending more than 35% of income on rent, you need roughly $51,429/year gross.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Los Angeles?
Financial advisors typically recommend spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At Los Angeles's median rent of $2,700/month, that requires a gross annual salary of at least $108,000.
Is $68,000/year enough to live in Los Angeles?
The city median income of $68,000/year is below the $108,000 needed to comfortably afford median rent at 30%. This is why 38% of Los Angeles renters spend more than the 30% guideline on housing.
Explore specific salaries in Los Angeles
Profession guides for Los Angeles