Los Angeles, CA variant. This is a Los Angeles, CA-specific version of the Home Affordability Calculator, using pre-defined local figures (tax rates, median home and income values, and typical regional costs). For the full formula, methodology, and FAQ, open the main Home Affordability Calculator.
Affording a home in Los Angeles pits the $76,135 median income against a $1,075,000 median price - a price-to-income ratio of 14.1x.
Can you afford Los Angeles?
The 28% rule caps housing at $1,776/month on the local median income, supporting roughly $351,324 in price - versus the $1,075,000 Los Angeles median.
Los Angeles is a stretch on the median income; many buyers need higher earnings, more down, or co-borrowers.
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles does not impose a separate city income tax, so residents pay California state income tax but no additional municipal income levy on wages.
Los Angeles is a high-cost housing market with elevated home prices and rents, reflecting strong demand and limited supply across a sprawling metro area.
Los Angeles is the center of the entertainment industry and also has major trade, aerospace, and tourism sectors that shape its cost of living.
Worked example: max price on $76,135
28% of $76,135 ÷ 12 ≈ $1,776/month supports about $351,324 at 6.5% with 20% down - compared with the $1,075,000 median.
Quick reference
- Median home value: $1,075,000
- Median rent: $3,175/mo
- Median household income: $76,135
- Local sales tax: 9.5%
- Effective property tax rate: 0.71%
- Cost of living index: 168 (US avg = 100)
Frequently Asked Questions
What income do I need to buy in Los Angeles?
To afford the $1,075,000 median home, you'd typically need well above the $76,135 local median income at current rates.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Los Angeles?
About 14.1x (median home ÷ median income).