Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Los Angeles is 83% more expensive than Provo.

$1,879/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 39%
$80,366/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 50%
$2,055/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 41%
3,857,897
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $727/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $8,724/year.

Median household income is $17,566/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Provo — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Provo?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $727/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Provo?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $17,566/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Provo details →

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