Los Angeles vs Roanoke
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Los Angeles
Roanoke
💡 The Verdict
Roanoke is 36% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $47,892 in Roanoke.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Los Angeles (left) vs Roanoke (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Los Angeles versus Roanoke. Differences shown from Los Angeles perspective.
| Item | Los Angeles | Roanoke | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,990/mo | $1,190/mo | +$800.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $2,700/mo | $1,520/mo | +$1180.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $3,660/mo | $1,970/mo | +$1690.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.14 | $2.78 | +$0.36 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.91 | $4.12 | $-0.21 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.25 | $3.34 | $-0.09 |
| Coffee (latte) | $6.16 | $6.42 | $-0.26 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.64 | $3.28 | +$0.36 |
| Restaurant Meal | $24.46 | $18.80 | +$5.66 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles has the same purchasing power as $47,892 in Roanoke.
Conversely, $75,000 in Roanoke equals $117,453 in Los Angeles.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $900 difference is driven by California having a higher state income tax rate. California details → · Virginia details →
Reading These Numbers: Los Angeles (166) vs Roanoke (106)
Los Angeles at 166 is 66% above the US average, while Roanoke at 106 is 6% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Los Angeles, the composite index of 166 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 262, followed by groceries (107), utilities (114), transportation (118), and healthcare (103). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $2,700/mo in Los Angeles and $1,520/mo in Roanoke, the annual rent difference is approximately $14,160.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $70,800.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $514,000.0 difference in median home prices between Los Angeles and Roanoke translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
🔗 Related Tools
📚 Moving & Relocation Resources
Amazon affiliate links
CITY PROFILES
Making Your Decision: Los Angeles vs Roanoke
Choosing between Los Angeles and Roanoke involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Los Angeles and Roanoke can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.