Beaverton vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Beaverton	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$92,650	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	5.2%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$581,050	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$275	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,545	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	124.6	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	178.0	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	50.7%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	55	52

Los Angeles vs. Beaverton: The Ultimate West Coast Showdown

So, you're looking at the West Coast and you've got two polar opposites on the table. On one side, you have Los Angeles—the sprawling, sun-soaked, star-studded metropolis where dreams are made and traffic is eternal. On the other, Beaverton—a quiet, family-friendly suburb of Portland, Oregon, known for its tech campuses, parks, and a vibe that’s more "cozy coffee shop" than "red carpet premiere."

Choosing between these two isn't just about geography; it's a lifestyle decision. Are you chasing the hustle and bustle of a global city, or are you seeking a balanced life with a side of pine trees and craft beer? Let's break it down, stat by stat, vibe by vibe.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Suburb

Los Angeles is a beast of a city. It’s not just a place; it’s an energy. The culture is diverse, creative, and fast-paced. You’re rubbing shoulders with aspiring actors, tech entrepreneurs, and third-generation taco truck owners. Life here is about options: endless restaurants, world-class museums, hiking in the canyons, and beach days in Santa Monica. It’s for the ambitious, the extroverted, and those who thrive on the buzz of a major urban center. If you need constant stimulation and professional networking opportunities, LA has you covered.

Beaverton is the definition of a balanced suburban life. It’s part of the Portland metropolitan area, offering a quieter, more community-focused atmosphere. The vibe is unpretentious and outdoorsy. Think weekend trips to the Oregon coast, hikes in the nearby Cascade Mountains, and a strong emphasis on local breweries and farmers' markets. It’s for those who prioritize work-life balance, a slower pace, and a tight-knit community feel. If you’re looking for a place to plant roots, raise a family, and escape the chaos of a mega-city, Beaverton is calling your name.

Who is it for?

• Los Angeles: The career-driven, the social butterflies, the entertainment industry hopefuls, and those who crave urban diversity.
• Beaverton: The remote worker, the growing family, the outdoor enthusiast, and anyone seeking a high quality of life without the big-city frenzy.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk Purchasing Power. You might have a solid salary, but what can it actually buy you?

The Tax Factor: First, a crucial note. California has some of the highest income taxes in the nation, with rates up to 13.3% for high earners. Oregon also has a progressive income tax, but its top rate is 9.9%. If you're earning a six-figure salary, this tax difference alone can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Now, let's look at the day-to-day cost of living.

Category	Los Angeles	Beaverton	The Winner
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$581,050	🏆 Beaverton
Median Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,545	🏆 Beaverton
Housing Index	173.0	124.6	🏆 Beaverton
Utilities	~$240/mo	~$180/mo	🏆 Beaverton
Groceries	~15% above nat'l avg	~10% above nat'l avg	🏆 Beaverton
Median Income	$79,701	$92,650	🏆 Beaverton

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's take a hypothetical salary of $100,000 to illustrate the point.

In Los Angeles, with a $79,701 median income, $100k is a good living, but you'll feel the squeeze. After California's steep taxes, your take-home pay shrinks. That $2,006 rent for a 1-bedroom apartment will take a massive chunk of your monthly budget. The median home price of over $1 million is a staggering barrier to entry for most buyers. Your dollar is fighting an uphill battle against high costs and high taxes.

In Beaverton, with a $92,650 median income, your $100,000 salary puts you squarely above the local average. Oregon's lower tax rate means you keep more of your paycheck. The median home price is nearly $420,000 less than LA's, and rent is significantly cheaper. Your purchasing power here is substantially stronger. You can afford a larger home, save for retirement more aggressively, and have more disposable income for fun.

The Verdict on Dollar Power: Beaverton is the undisputed winner. For the same income, your quality of life and financial stability will be significantly higher in Oregon.

The Housing Market: Buying vs. Renting

Los Angeles: The housing market is notoriously brutal. It’s a seller's market with intense competition. Bidding wars are common, and cash offers often beat out financed ones. The median home price is $1,002,500, making homeownership a distant dream for many. Renting is the default for a massive portion of the population, but even that is expensive and competitive. The Housing Index of 173.0 (where 100 is the national average) screams "unaffordable."

Beaverton: While still competitive, the housing market is more accessible. The median home price of $581,050 is more attainable for middle-class families. It’s still a fairly competitive market due to its desirability and proximity to Portland, but you have a better chance of finding a home without a multi-million-dollar price tag. Renting is also more feasible, with a 1BR averaging $1,545. The Housing Index of 124.6 is high but far more manageable than LA's.

The Verdict: Beaverton wins again. It offers a clearer path to homeownership and more affordable rental options.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

Los Angeles: The traffic is legendary and for good reason. The average commute can be 30-60 minutes or more, often spent on congested freeways like the 405 or I-10. Public transit exists but is not as comprehensive as in older East Coast cities. This is a major lifestyle tax—your time is money, and in LA, you spend a lot of both in your car.
Beaverton: Traffic exists, especially during rush hour on Highway 26 or I-5, but it's on a different scale. The average commute is shorter, and the city is designed with cars in mind. Public transit options (like the MAX light rail) are solid for getting into Portland. The commute is more of a minor inconvenience than a daily soul-crusher.

Weather

Los Angeles: The weather is a huge selling point. It’s famously mild and sunny. The data shows an average of 54.0°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are warm and dry (often in the 70s-80s°F), and winters are cool and damp but rarely freezing. It’s a paradise for those who hate snow and extreme cold.
Beaverton: Oregon weather is a different beast. The data shows a cooler average of 37.0°F, but the real story is the rain. Beaverton is famous for its gray, drizzly winters from November to April. Summers, however, are glorious—dry, sunny, and in the 70s-80s°F. If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this could be a dealbreaker. If you love cozy, rainy days and vibrant summers, it’s perfect.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest look at the data.

• Los Angeles: The violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the U.S. average. While many neighborhoods are very safe, crime is a tangible concern citywide, and vigilance is necessary.
• Beaverton: The violent crime rate is 178.0 per 100,000 people. This is well below the national average. Beaverton is consistently ranked as one of the safer cities in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

The Verdict on Quality of Life: Beaverton wins on commute and safety. Los Angeles wins on weather (if you hate rain). Your personal preference for climate will be the deciding factor here.

The Final Verdict & City Breakdowns

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, a clear picture emerges. Beaverton offers a more balanced, affordable, and safer living experience for most people. However, Los Angeles holds an undeniable allure for a specific type of person.

Winner for Families: Beaverton

Why: The safer environment (178.0 vs. 732.5 crime rate), more affordable housing ($581,050 vs. $1,002,500), and excellent schools in the Beaverton School District make it a no-brainer. The community feel and access to outdoor activities are perfect for raising kids.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Los Angeles (with a caveat)

Why: If your career is in entertainment, tech, or a creative field, LA’s network and opportunities are unmatched. The social scene is unparalleled. However, Beaverton is a fantastic contender for remote tech workers (thanks to companies like Nike and Intel in the area) who value a lower cost of living and don't need to be in LA for networking.

Winner for Retirees: Beaverton

Why: Lower cost of living, safer streets, and a more relaxed pace of life are ideal for retirees. While LA has great healthcare, the financial strain of living there on a fixed income is immense. Beaverton allows for a comfortable retirement with money left over for travel and hobbies.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• World-class career opportunities, especially in entertainment and tech.
• Incredible cultural and culinary diversity.
• Iconic weather (mild, sunny, no snow).
• Vibrant social scene and endless things to do.
• Access to beaches and mountains within an hour.

Cons:

• Astronomical cost of living and housing.
• Brutal traffic and long commutes.
• High state income tax.
• Higher crime rates.
• Intense competition in every aspect of life.

Beaverton

Pros:

• Significantly lower cost of living and housing.
• Excellent public schools and family-friendly environment.
• Very low crime rates and a safe community feel.
• Proximity to Portland’s culture and amenities.
• Unbeatable access to the outdoors (hiking, skiing, coast).
• More reasonable commute times.

Cons:

• Weather is gray and rainy for a large part of the year.
• Smaller city feel—fewer world-class events and restaurants than LA.
• Less diverse career opportunities (outside of tech and sports apparel).
• Can feel "quiet" or "sleepy" to those used to big-city life.

The Bottom Line: If your career demands it or you thrive on the energy of a global city, Los Angeles is your calling—just be prepared for the financial and logistical challenges. For everyone else seeking a better bang for your buck, a safer environment, and a balanced lifestyle, Beaverton is the smarter, more sustainable choice.