Rent vs Buy Calculator — Los Angeles, CA
Prefilled with Los Angeles estimates: a ~$950,000 home (about $190,000 for 20% down) versus ~$2,950/mo rent. California's effective property tax of 0.75% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $7,125/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $1,700/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Los Angeles?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and California's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 0.75% on a $950,000 home that's about $7,125 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Los Angeles, CA different
- Median home price estimate: $950,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $2,950
- California effective property tax: 0.75% (~$7,125/yr here)
- California avg. homeowners insurance: $1,700/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.