Quick Answer
80,000 is an above-average salary in Los Angeles, placing you above roughly 63% of earners. After taxes (~23.9% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $5,076/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,600/month (51% of net income).
80k 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.
The question of whether 80k is "good" in Los Angeles often reveals more about expectations than economics. For recent graduates, it might represent an exciting milestone. For experienced professionals, it could feel like a plateau. Context—your career stage, industry, and personal ambitions—shapes perception as much as data does.
Childcare and family costs in Los Angeles can completely transform salary adequacy. Daycare, school supplies, extracurricular activities, and family healthcare add thousands to annual expenses. Families evaluating 80k should model these costs carefully, as they can consume 20-30% of take-home income in some markets.
Digital nomad and remote work trends have added a new dimension to salary evaluation. If you're earning 80k from a Los Angeles-based employer but living part-time in lower-cost locations, your effective purchasing power increases substantially. However, tax implications of cross-border work arrangements can be complex.
Inflation trends in Los Angeles directly impact whether 80k will feel the same in 12 months. Cities experiencing above-average inflation effectively give workers a pay cut each year if salaries don't adjust accordingly. Monitoring local CPI trends helps you anticipate whether your compensation is keeping pace.
The final dimension of salary evaluation is psychological. Research consistently shows that income satisfaction is relative—people compare themselves to peers, neighbors, and media portrayals. Understanding that 80k objectively provides a certain quality of life in Los Angeles, regardless of what others earn, is key to financial contentment.
Is 80k a good salary in Los Angeles in 2026?
80k is an above-average salary, placing you above roughly 63% of earners in Los Angeles. The local median salary is $68,000, so earning $80,000 puts you at the 63th 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 80k in Los Angeles?
On a gross salary of $80,000 in United States, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 23.9%. This means roughly $19,088 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $60,912 per year ($5,076 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 80k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 51% of your after-tax income, which is a very high share of income.
How does 80k in Los Angeles compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 80k in Los Angeles is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($88,800), London ($75,556), San Francisco ($93,600). 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 80k in Los Angeles?
On 80k in Los Angeles, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $5,076 after taxes. With typical expenses of $3,484/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $1,592 per month ($19,104/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.
