Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Los Angeles is 23% more expensive than Arvada.

$1,879/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 4%
$80,366/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 41%
$879,500 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 32%
$2,055/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 5%
3,857,897
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $33,030/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Arvada — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Arvada?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Arvada?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $33,030/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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