Salary Needed to Live in Los Angeles as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $44,302/year to live comfortably in Los Angeles, CA — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$44,302
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$37,019
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,252
55% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Los Angeles
| Expense | Los Angeles | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $266 | $137 | +94% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $53 | $27 | +96% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $23 | $19 | +21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $50 | $35 | +43% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $196 | $215 | -9% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $62 | $54 | +15% |
| Internet | $108 | $65 | +66% |
| Phone (×2) | $232 | $140 | +66% |
| Dining & Social | $747 | $450 | +66% |
| Entertainment | $299 | $180 | +66% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $216 | $130 | +66% |
| Total Monthly | $2,252 | $1,452 | +55% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,252
Target savings (12%):$368/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,620
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$44,302
Other Household Types in Los Angeles
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Los Angeles?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $44,302/year ($3,692/month gross) to live comfortably in Los Angeles with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Los Angeles?
A 1-2br apartment in Los Angeles costs approximately $266/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Los Angeles affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Los Angeles is above the national average for couple (no kids) living costs, requiring 55% more salary than the US median.