Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Los Angeles is 57% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,879/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 9%
$80,366/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 14%
$879,500 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 58%
$2,055/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 19%
3,857,897
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $11,105/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Los Angeles or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $11,105/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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