Many people are moving to Los Angeles, California, because of the abundance of opportunities it offers, being the nation’s 2nd largest city. This article will give you all the information you need about Los Angeles!
The center of southern California, Los Angeles, has recently emerged as a global metropolis. In the early 1900s, it was regarded as just “a large village.” The city initially needed more of the fundamental components of urbanization, but it overcame the shortcomings to become a significant hub for industry, tourism, agriculture, and trade.
Los Angeles is a great place to move because of its pleasant climate, cultural diversity, pristine natural landscape, and never-ending opportunities. Some critics call it a “la-la land” where people relax, while others say it’s a disaster zone where gang warfare, riots, fires, and smog have wreaked havoc.
Moving to Los Angeles, California, is incredibly diverse and engaging. We recommend reviewing the following details to help you better understand and make an informed decision!
Quick facts regarding moving to Los Angeles, CA
Where is Los Angeles, CA, located?
Los Angeles, CA, is on the west coast of Southern California, next to the Pacific Ocean and extending into the Santa Monica Mountains.
Population of Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, the second-most populous city in the United States, was home to about 3,769,485 people in 2023. Here’s a summary of the Los Angeles’s population:
- Los Angeles has had an annual population drop of 1.8% over the past five years
- The median age in Los Angeles, CA is 35.9 years.
- The population of Los Angeles, CA, has a 50:50 ratio of male and female.
- The poverty rate in Los Angeles, CA, is 14.2%.
Diversity of Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA, is known for its diverse population, with the following racial/ethnic composition:
- Hispanic or Latino: 46.9%
- White (not Hispanic or Latino): 28.9%
- Asian: 11.7%
- Black or African American: 8.3%
- Two or more races: 3.3%
- Other: 0.7%
- Native American: 0.2%
Is Los Angeles, CA, safe?
Los Angeles had a crime rate 1.3 times higher than the U.S. average. While the city has witnessed a decrease in both violent and property crime over the last five years, the rates remain elevated compared to the national average.
- Los Angeles, CA, has a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents.
- The chance of falling victim to violent crime is 1 in 135, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 41.
- Property crime is the most common in Los Angeles, covering burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
- The city has one of the highest property crime rates nationally, reaching 25 per one thousand residents.
Los Angeles has some of the safest cities in California, which is mentioned below:
- Pacific Palisades
- Manhattan Beach
- Studio City
- Encino
- Playa Vista
- Glendale
- Westwood
- Bel Air
- Highland Park
- Sherman Oaks
Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA
Before moving to Los Angeles, CA, you should know that living in Los Angeles, California, is more expensive than the national average. Here are some key stats to prove it:
- The cost of living index is 161.7% of the national average, with housing costs 140% higher.
- The average cost of living In Los Angeles, CA, is $3886 per month for a single individual and $6735 per month for a family of 4, including rent.
- Grocery prices are 11% higher than the national average, and healthcare costs are 12% higher.
- The median home price is $1,083,995, and the median rent is $3,296 monthly. The median after-tax salary is $5,956 per month.
- To live comfortably, a single person with no children needs an after-tax salary of $76,710.
- For a lavish lifestyle in the best neighborhoods, you’d need an income of around $225,000 or more.
- The cost to build a house in California, Los Angeles ranges from $200,000 to $1 million, or $400 to $450 per square foot.
Here is a summary of the cost of living in Los Angeles:
Cost of Living Factor | Los Angeles, CA |
Cost of Living Index | 161.7 |
Housing | 140% higher than the national average |
Groceries | 11% higher than the national average |
Healthcare | 12% higher than the national average |
Median Home Price | $1,083,995 |
Median Rent | $3,296 per month |
Median After-Tax Salary | $5,956 per month |
Salary Needed to Live Comfortably (Single Person) | $76,710 |
Salary Needed for a Luxurious Lifestyle | $225,000 or more |
Job Market in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA, is expected to grow substantially, with an estimated increase of 535,700 jobs by 2024. Three key sectors, private educational services, health care, and social assistance, are projected to contribute to 75% of this growth.
The 50 fastest-growing occupations expect an annual growth rate of 2.4% or higher.
- Los Angeles, CA has an unemployment rate of 5.2%.
- The average annual household income in Los Angeles is $106,931.
- The median salary in the city is reported as $72,384.
- The median household income in Los Angeles, CA, is $69,778.
The top employers in Los Angeles, CA, are:
- County of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Unified School District
- City of Los Angeles
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Federal Government – All Agencies Except Defense & State
- Kaiser Permanente
- State of California (non-education)
- University of Southern California
- Target Corp.
- Northrop Grumman Corp.
The most common job titles in Los Angeles, CA, are:
- Internship
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Administrative Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Volunteer
- Production Assistant
- Office Assistant
- Receptionist
- Security Officer
The highest-paying job profiles in Los Angeles, CA, are as follows:
Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
Anesthesiologist | $331,047 |
Cardiologist | $324,900 |
Radiologist | $320,927 |
Psychiatrist | $319,637 |
Obstetrician & Gynecologist | $291,244 |
Physician, Pathologist | $288,260 |
Ophthalmologists, Except for Pediatric | $281,292 |
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except for Pediatric | $265,000 |
Tax rates in Los Angeles, CA
People moving to Los Angeles, CA, are supposed to pay the following taxes listed below:
- Sales Tax: In Los Angeles, the total local sales tax is 9.5%.
- Property Tax: The average Los Angeles County homeowner pays $5,073 each year in property taxes, with a countywide tax rate of 0.82%. California’s state property tax rate is about 1.25% of a property’s assessed value.
- Income Tax: California has a progressive income tax system, with 1% to 12.3% rates. If income exceeds $1 million, there’s an extra 1% tax.
Housing market in Los Angeles, CA
The Los Angeles housing market is competitive, with homes getting around three offers and selling in about 42 days. Last month’s median sale price was $999,000, showing an 8.0% increase from last year.
- Buying a home in Los Angeles averages $999,000.
- The median home value in Los Angeles is $882,020.
- The median list price per square foot was $635 last month, reflecting a 5.6% increase from last year.
- Rent for an apartment in Los Angeles averages $2,742.
Housing costs | Los Angeles | US |
Median home cost | $999,000. | $338,100 |
Rental cost of a studio | $1,773 to $1,995 | $1080 |
Rental cost of 1 bedroom | $2,187 to $2,695 | $1180 |
Rental cost of 2 bedroom | $2,970 to $3,365 | $1430 |
Rental cost of 3 bedroom | $4,995 | $1860 |
Top neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
The best places to live in Los Angeles, CA, are as follows:
- Santa Monica
- Hermosa Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Los Feliz
- Hollywood
- Silver Lake
- West Hollywood
- Malibu
- Culver City
- Venice Beach
Education system in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, California, is home to a total of 1,302 public schools, serving 565,479 students, in addition to 1,204 private schools.
- Los Angeles has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1.
- Oxford Academy holds the premier position in the Los Angeles area, while the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies secures the 20th position within California.
- At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a public institution, the tuition is $14,478 for California residents and $47,052 for non-residents (including the nonresident supplemental tuition).
- For the 2020-2021 school year, the cost of educating a K-12 pupil in Los Angeles County was $14,967.
Middle schools in Los Angeles, CA:
- Science Academy Stem Magnet
- John Burroughs Middle
- Thomas Starr King Middle
- Girls Academic Leadership Academy
- Robert Frost Middle
- Paul Revere Charter Middle
- KIPP Los Angeles College Preparatory
- Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies
Elementary schools in Los Angeles, CA:
- Canyon Charter Elementary
- Roscomare Road Elementary
- Fairburn Avenue Elementary
- Warner Avenue Elementary
- Clover Avenue Elementary
High schools in Los Angeles, CA:
- Oxford Academy
- Whitney High School
- California Academy of Mathematics and Science
- La Canada High School
- Troy High School
Colleges and universities in Los Angeles, CA:
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- Loyola Marymount University
Public Transportation in Los Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles, CA, the average one-way commute is about 30.8 minutes, longer than the US average, and it’s ranked as the 19th worst in the country.
Most people in Los Angeles commute by car, with 82.6% driving to work alone or carpooling.
About 4.5% of workers in Los Angeles use public transportation for their commute, while approximately 8.3% work from home.
In Los Angeles, CA, you have these public transportation options:
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro): Metro runs buses and trains in the city with extensive coverage. Use the Metro Trip Planner or download the Go Metro Los Angeles app for help. Fares start at $1.75, with options like the Metro Day Pass ($7) and the 7-Day Pass ($25).
- DASH Buses: Local buses serving specific neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
- Metro Rail Trains: Commuter rail lines cover areas like downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Long Beach.
- Greyhound: For long-distance bus travel to various destinations across the United States.
Weather and climate in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, California, has two main seasons: a wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October.
- The city’s climate is Mediterranean, which means it experiences seasonal changes in rainfall, with a dry summer and a rainy winter season.
- Los Angeles receives about 16 inches (40.6 cm) of rain yearly.
- Snowfall in the city is sporadic, with only trace amounts reported on rare occasions.
- The city enjoys an average of 284 sunny days per year.
- From March to May and September to November, the spring and fall months are considered the best time to visit Los Angeles.
- July is the hottest month in Los Angeles, with an average high temperature of 84°F (28.9°C).
- Conversely, January is the coldest month, featuring an average low temperature of 46°F (7.8°C).
Here is a table showing the average high and low temperatures for each month in Los Angeles, CA:
Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
January | 68 | 48 |
February | 68 | 50 |
March | 69 | 51 |
April | 71 | 53 |
May | 73 | 56 |
June | 77 | 60 |
July | 83 | 64 |
August | 84 | 65 |
September | 82 | 63 |
October | 78 | 58 |
November | 73 | 52 |
December | 68 | 48 |
Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA
Check out the list of things to do and places to see in Los Angeles, CA:
- Visit the Griffith Observatory and watch the planetarium show.
- Explore the Getty Center and its art collections.
- Take a stroll through the stunning gardens at the Huntington Library.
- Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.
- Enjoy a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- Relax at the Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach beaches.
- Take a dip at the Deep Creek Hot Springs and Tecopa Hotsprings, the famous hot springs in Southern California.
- Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles, such as Silver Lake, West Hollywood, and Venice Beach.
- Experience the vibrant food and drink scene, including coffee in Silverlake and jazz shows in various venues.
- Tour the historic and cultural landmarks, including the La Brea Tar Pits and the Natural History Museum.
- Attend a Dodgers or Lakers game for an authentic Los Angeles sports experience.
Pros and Cons of Living in Los Angeles, CA
Here is a detailed table summarizing the pros and cons of living in Los Angeles, CA :
Pros | Cons |
Pleasant weather year-round | High cost of living |
Incredible food scene | Traffic congestion |
Healthy work-life balance | Limited public transportation |
Abundant outdoor activities | Sprawling city |
Diverse neighborhoods | Competitive job market |
Rich cultural diversity | Air pollution |
High wages | |
Laid-back West Coast culture |
Final Verdict
People worldwide are moving to California to make their dreams come true, and Los Angeles is among the most picturesque cities in CA for the reasons stated above.
LA is a great city to live in, and it’s also a lot of fun and exciting. There’s always something to do, and there’s always something new to learn. If you’re considering LA your new home, pack your bags and make the move!
Photo Credit: Christopher Chan