Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Reno, NV (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Los Angeles is 53% more expensive than Reno.

$1,879/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 23%
$80,366/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 2%
$879,500 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$498,600 ↓ 43%
$2,055/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 28%
3,857,897
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $1,918/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Reno — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Reno?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Reno?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $1,918/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Reno details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Reno

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock