Salary Needed to Live in Los Angeles as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $97,634/year to live comfortably in Los Angeles, CA — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$97,634
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$77,573
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,719
61% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Los Angeles
| Expense | Los Angeles | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $407 | $209 | +95% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $88 | $44 | +100% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $35 | $28 | +25% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $63 | $44 | +43% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $196 | $215 | -9% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $62 | $54 | +15% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,992 | $1,200 | +66% |
| Internet + Phones | $299 | $180 | +66% |
| Children Activities | $415 | $250 | +66% |
| Dining Out | $581 | $350 | +66% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $332 | $200 | +66% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $249 | $150 | +66% |
| Total Monthly | $4,719 | $2,924 | +61% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,719
Target savings (15%):$1,048/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$5,767
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$97,634
Other Household Types in Los Angeles
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Los Angeles?
A family with kids needs approximately $97,634/year ($8,136/month gross) to live comfortably in Los Angeles with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Los Angeles?
A 3br apartment/house in Los Angeles costs approximately $407/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is Los Angeles affordable for a family with kids?
Los Angeles is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 61% more salary than the US median.