Quick Answer
120,000 is a strong salary in Los Angeles, placing you above roughly 87% of earners. After taxes (~25.9% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $7,410/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,600/month (35% of net income).
120k per year sounds different depending on where you live. In Los Angeles, this salary puts you in a specific income bracket that determines your housing options, disposable income, and long-term financial trajectory. Let's look at the numbers.
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.
Los Angeles offers a distinct blend of career opportunities and lifestyle factors that shape salary expectations. The city's industry mix—from tech startups to established financial institutions—creates varied compensation structures. Understanding which sectors drive the local economy helps you benchmark 120k against what similar professionals actually earn.
Professionals earning 120k in Los Angeles typically fall into specific experience brackets and industries. For some, this salary represents a strong mid-career income; for others, it may be entry-level in a high-paying field. Knowing where you stand relative to peers in your specific role and industry provides valuable leverage when negotiating raises or evaluating new offers.
Beyond raw numbers, quality of life factors in Los Angeles—including average commute times, cultural amenities, healthcare access, and work-life balance expectations—contribute to overall compensation satisfaction. A lower salary in a city with excellent public services and shorter commutes may provide better quality of life than a higher salary in a more expensive, time-consuming environment.
The relationship between salary and lifestyle varies dramatically across Los Angeles's neighborhoods. Central areas command premium rents but reduce commuting costs and time, while suburban options offer more space but may require a car. These trade-offs are highly personal, but understanding them helps you evaluate whether 120k supports your preferred lifestyle.
Salary growth trajectories in Los Angeles also matter. If you're earning 120k today, understanding typical annual raise percentages (usually 3-7% for strong performers) and how often professionals change jobs for salary bumps (every 2-3 years in competitive markets) helps you project your financial future in this city.
Is 120k a good salary in Los Angeles in 2026?
120k is a very strong salary, placing you in the top 13% of earners in Los Angeles. The local median salary is $68,000, so earning $120,000 puts you at the 87th 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 120k in Los Angeles?
On a gross salary of $120,000 in United States, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 25.9%. This means roughly $31,077 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $88,923 per year ($7,410 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 120k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 35% of your after-tax income, which is a significant portion of income.
How does 120k in Los Angeles compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 120k in Los Angeles is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($133,200), London ($113,333), San Francisco ($140,400). 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 120k in Los Angeles?
On 120k in Los Angeles, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $7,410 after taxes. With typical expenses of $3,484/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $3,926 per month ($47,112/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.
