Quick Answer
100,000 is a strong salary in Los Angeles, placing you above roughly 78% of earners. After taxes (~24.9% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $6,259/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,600/month (42% of net income).
Wondering if 100k is a good salary in Los Angeles? The answer depends on several factors unique to Los Angeles's economy and your personal circumstances. In this guide, we break down exactly what 100k buys you in Los Angeles, from housing and groceries to taxes and savings potential.
Los Angeles (pop. 3.9 million) is one of the most expensive compared to global metros, with a cost of living index of 90 (NYC = 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,600/month and a monthly transit pass costs $110. It's considered a strong tech market with a tech score of 8/10.
To truly evaluate 100k in Los Angeles, you need to think in terms of purchasing power rather than raw numbers. Purchasing power adjusts for local prices—a salary that buys a comfortable life in one city might only cover basics in another. International indices like the Big Mac Index or the Numbeo cost-of-living index help contextualize what 100k really means in Los Angeles.
Employer benefits in Los Angeles can significantly alter the effective value of 100k. Stock options, pension contributions, meal subsidies, gym memberships, and transport allowances vary widely between companies and countries. A slightly lower base salary with strong benefits can be worth more than a higher base with minimal extras.
The stability and predictability of income at 100k in Los Angeles also matters. Salaried roles provide consistency, while roles with significant variable compensation (commissions, bonuses) introduce uncertainty. Understanding how much of your target income is guaranteed versus performance-dependent shapes your financial planning.
Weather and seasonal factors might seem unrelated to salary, but they affect spending patterns in Los Angeles. Cities with harsh winters require heating budgets and warmer wardrobes; tropical cities may have higher air conditioning costs. These climate-related expenses add up and should feature in your 100k budget planning.
Lastly, consider the "exit value" of working in Los Angeles at 100k. Does experience in this market command a premium if you later relocate? Professionals who've worked in major financial or tech centers often find their experience valued higher when moving to lower-cost markets, effectively converting their time in Los Angeles into future earning power.
Is 100k a good salary in Los Angeles in 2026?
100k is an above-average salary, placing you above roughly 78% of earners in Los Angeles. The local median salary is $68,000, so earning $100,000 puts you at the 78th percentile. After accounting for housing (average $2,600/month for a 1-bedroom), taxes, and daily costs, this salary allows for meaningful monthly savings.
How much tax will I pay on 100k in Los Angeles?
On a gross salary of $100,000 in United States, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 24.9%. This means roughly $24,888 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $75,112 per year ($6,259 per month). The exact amount may vary based on deductions, filing status, and local levies.
What is the average rent in Los Angeles in 2026?
As of 2026, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Los Angeles is approximately $2,600 per month, while a 2-bedroom averages around $3,700 per month. On a 100k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 42% of your after-tax income, which is a very high share of income.
How does 100k in Los Angeles compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 100k in Los Angeles is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($111,000), London ($94,444), San Francisco ($117,000). Los Angeles has a purchasing power index of 90 (NYC = 100), meaning your money goes somewhat less far than in New York.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles in 2026?
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 90 (where New York = 100), making it one of the most expensive cities globally. Key monthly costs include: rent ($2,600 for 1BR), groceries (~$414), transport ($110), and utilities (~$135). Total monthly expenses for a single professional average around $3,484 before discretionary spending.
Can I save money on 100k in Los Angeles?
On 100k in Los Angeles, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $6,259 after taxes. With typical expenses of $3,484/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $2,775 per month ($33,300/year). This provides solid room for building an emergency fund and investing.
Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.
Disclaimer: This page uses market data and cost-of-living sources for guidance. All figures and advice are estimates, not guarantees. Local conditions and personal circumstances may vary.
