Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, California, a gallon of regular gas costs $5.79 as of 2026-03-23 — $2.34 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $4,104.32, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.76% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Los Angeles's cost-of-living index of 160 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$5.79
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$4,104.32
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.76%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$25.08
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $2.21 | $2.61 | $3.37 | $5.09 | $2.83 | +28.1% |
| Milk (gallon) | $4.21 | $4.46 | $4.37 | $4.55 | $4.64 | +10.2% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.80 | $5.83 | $6.18 | $6.55 | $6.81 | +41.9% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.70 | $3.65 | $3.86 | $4.01 | $4.09 | +51.5% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $4.58 | $4.81 | $4.86 | $5.01 | $5.11 | +11.6% |
| Butter (lb) | $5.26 | $6.01 | $6.44 | $6.76 | $6.89 | +31.0% |
| Bacon (lb) | $7.74 | $8.44 | $8.95 | $9.40 | $9.88 | +27.6% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $6.98 | $7.68 | $8.07 | $8.31 | $8.31 | +19.1% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.84 | $2.22 | $2.35 | $2.44 | $2.44 | +32.6% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $5.31 | $6.05 | $6.42 | $6.61 | $6.74 | +26.9% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $10.54 | $12.52 | $13.39 | $14.34 | $14.77 | +40.1% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $4.71 | $5.67 | $6.30 | $6.68 | $6.95 | +47.6% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.86 | $5.10 | $5.36 | $5.58 | $5.75 | +18.3% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $5.47 | $5.74 | $6.09 | $6.27 | $6.46 | +18.1% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.65 | $3.03 | $3.21 | $3.34 | $3.41 | +28.7% |
| Lettuce (head) | $2.23 | $2.45 | $2.59 | $2.77 | $2.91 | +30.5% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $6.82 | $8.35 | $9.11 | $9.47 | $9.76 | +43.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $5.21 | $5.57 | $5.91 | $6.27 | $6.33 | +21.5% |
| Cereal (family size) | $5.95 | $6.84 | $7.47 | $7.77 | $8.08 | +35.8% |
| Frozen Pizza | $7.92 | $9.41 | $10.26 | $10.88 | $11.43 | +44.3% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$25.08
Casual Dining
$48.13
Monthly Spend
$801.07
+3.73% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $15.55
$25.08
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $17.56
$27.09
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $18.81
$28.09
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $8.64
$12.00
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Los Angeles?
Average 1BR: $3,731.2/mo · 2BR: $4,643.22/mo
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