Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Asheville is 35% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $48,795 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $490,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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