Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
37% cheaper
Provo is 37% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $46,988 in Provo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $470,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Provo scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Provo.
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