Average Rent in Los Angeles 2026
The average rent in Los Angeles, CA is $2,400 for a 1-bedroom, $3,200 for a 2-bedroom, and $4,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Los Angeles is 66% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $96,000.
Los Angeles Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$3,200
per month
3 Bedrooms
$4,000
per month
Cost of Living in Los Angeles
166
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Los Angeles's cost of living index is 166, which is 66% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Los Angeles at a Glance
Population
3.9M
Median Income
$69,778
COL Index
166
Rent Control
Yes
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Los Angeles?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Los Angeles by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$2,400/mo rent
$96,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$3,200/mo rent
$128,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$4,000/mo rent
$160,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Los Angeles
Save $800/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$2,400
per month
Split 2BR
$1,600
per person/month
Annual Savings
$9,600
per year
Instead of paying $2,400 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($3,200) with one roommate brings your share to $1,600. That is $9,600 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has rent control or rent stabilization
Los Angeles has the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), which covers apartments built before October 1, 1978. Landlords can only raise rent by a percentage set annually by the LA Housing Department, typically 3-8%. California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) also caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI (up to 10%) for most properties built before 2005.
Rent Calculators for Los Angeles Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Los Angeles rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Los Angeles
Is Los Angeles expensive to rent in?
Yes. Los Angeles is one of the most expensive rental markets in the US. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,400 per month in 2026, about 66% above the national average. Areas like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and the Westside tend to be pricier, while the San Fernando Valley and South LA offer relatively lower rents.
How much income do you need to rent in Los Angeles?
Using the 30% rule, you would need a gross monthly income of about $8,000 (or $96,000 per year) to comfortably afford a $2,400/month 1-bedroom apartment. Most landlords require proof of income at 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Los Angeles?
Splitting a 2-bedroom apartment ($3,200/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,600 — saving $800 per month compared to a solo 1-bedroom. That is $9,600 per year in savings.
Planning to rent in Los Angeles?