📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Buena Park and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Buena Park vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Buena Park | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $115,247 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $872,500 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $672 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,252 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 173.0 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.98 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 499.5 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 31.9% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 69 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Buena Park: The Ultimate SoCal Showdown
So, you're looking at two Southern California spots, but they couldn't be more different. Los Angeles is the sprawling, world-famous metropolis—the beating heart of entertainment, culture, and chaos. Buena Park is a quiet, family-centric suburb tucked into Orange County, known more for its amusement parks and tract homes than its tabloid headlines.
Choosing between them isn't just about geography; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Do you want the electric energy of the city, or the serene predictability of the suburbs? Let's break it down, dollar by dollar, mile by mile, so you can decide where to plant your flag.
The Vibe Check: Hustle vs. Hug
Los Angeles is a universe unto itself. It’s a city of 3.8 million people where no two neighborhoods are the same. You can find gritty street art in Boyle Heights, celebrity spotting in Beverly Hills, and laid-back surf culture in Venice—all in one day. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and relentlessly ambitious. It’s for the dreamers, the hustlers, and those who thrive on constant stimulation. If you need a city that never sleeps (and often has terrible traffic to prove it), LA is your canvas.
Buena Park, on the other hand, is quintessential suburbia. With a population of just 82,000, it's a tight-knit community centered around family life. Think well-manicured neighborhoods, excellent public schools (a major draw), and a slower, more predictable pace. It’s home to Knott's Berry Farm, a massive theme park, but its soul is in its residential streets. Buena Park is for those who value stability, safety, and a strong sense of community over the buzz of a major city center.
| City | Population | Median Income | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,820,963 | $79,701 | Electric, diverse, ambitious, chaotic |
| Buena Park | 81,965 | $115,247 | Quiet, suburban, family-oriented, stable |
The Insight: The median income in Buena Park is nearly $45,000 higher than in Los Angeles—a massive gap that speaks to its affluent, middle-class character. LA’s income is spread across a vastly larger and more economically diverse population.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk about "purchasing power"—what your paycheck actually buys you in each location.
The Cost of Living Table
| Expense Category | Los Angeles | Buena Park |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $872,500 |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $2,252 |
| Housing Index | 173.0 | 173.0 |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 732.5 | 499.5 |
The Sticker Shock: Right off the bat, the numbers are brutal. California is one of the most expensive states in the country. The Housing Index of 173.0 for both cities means housing costs are 73% higher than the national average. It’s a tough pill to swallow.
Here’s the kicker, though: While Buena Park has a slightly lower median home price by about $130,000, its 1BR rent is actually higher than LA's. This is a classic suburb vs. city dynamic. The rental market in desirable, safe suburbs like Buena Park can be fierce, often pushing prices up for those who don't own.
Salary Wars & The Tax Man: If you earn $100,000 in either city, you're in the "California Tax Bracket," which is one of the highest in the nation. There’s no state income tax break here (you'd have to look to Texas or Florida for that). However, the higher median income in Buena Park suggests that jobs there may offer better pay relative to the local cost of living. In LA, a $100k salary might feel tighter due to the sheer scale of expenses and competition for housing.
The Verdict on Dollars: It's a near tie, but with a twist. Buena Park offers slightly better value for buying a home. However, if you're a renter, Los Angeles might give you more bang for your buck for a 1-bedroom, though you'll be competing with a much larger pool of tenants.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Los Angeles: The housing market here is a perpetual seller's market, especially for single-family homes. With a median price over a million dollars, the entry point is astronomical. It's a market driven by scarcity, foreign investment, and high demand. Renting is often a long-term reality for many, but competition is cutthroat. You're not just competing with locals; you're competing with a global city's worth of aspirants.
Buena Park: The market is also incredibly competitive but operates on a different scale. The median price is still daunting, but it's more accessible for middle-class professionals than LA. The market is dominated by families seeking the school districts. It's less about finding a fixer-upper and more about securing a place in the right ZIP code. Availability is low, and homes sell fast, often over asking price.
The Dealbreaker: If you're looking to buy, Buena Park is marginally easier on the wallet, but don't expect a bargain. In both cities, you need deep pockets and a willingness to move quickly. If you're renting, Los Angeles offers more variety and potentially a better price point for a 1BR, but you'll pay for it in other ways—like a longer, more stressful commute.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
These are the factors that affect your daily happiness.
Traffic & Commute
Los Angeles: The traffic is legendary for a reason. The average commute can easily hit 45-60 minutes one way, often in gridlock. The city's sprawl means you're always driving. The "101" and "405" freeways are characters in their own right, and not the pleasant kind. Public transit exists (the Metro) but is limited in its reach and reliability for most commuters.
Buena Park: As a suburb, life is more car-dependent, but commutes are generally more predictable. You're looking at a 20-30 minute drive to nearby hubs like Anaheim or Irvine, and 45-60 minutes to downtown LA in heavy traffic. The trade-off is a calmer home base, but you'll still face the SoCal traffic beast during peak hours.
Winner for Shorter Commutes: Buena Park, by a hair.
Weather
Los Angeles: The data shows 54.0°F as a baseline, but that's misleading. LA's weather is famously perfect: mild, dry, and sunny year-round. You can hit the beach in January. The biggest downside is the "June Gloom"—a marine layer that can linger into summer—and occasional heatwaves that can spike into the 90s°F.
Buena Park: Slightly warmer, with a baseline of 63.0°F. It's still very mild, but it's inland enough to feel hotter in summer and a touch cooler in winter than coastal LA. You get more distinct seasons, though they are still very mild by US standards. It's less influenced by the marine layer, so you get more consistent sunshine.
Winner for Perfect Weather: Los Angeles (if you want that classic, coastal California climate). Buena Park is a close second.
Crime & Safety
Let's be blunt. According to the data, Buena Park is significantly safer. Its violent crime rate of 499.5 per 100k is still high compared to the national average, but it's 32% lower than Los Angeles's rate of 732.5 per 100k.
Los Angeles: Crime varies wildly by neighborhood. Some areas (like Pacific Palisades) are incredibly safe, while others face significant challenges. You must research your specific neighborhood extensively.
Buena Park: As a suburban community, it generally has lower crime rates, especially violent crime. It's a safer environment for families walking the streets at night.
Winner for Safety: Buena Park, unequivocally.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?
After digging into the data and the lifestyle, here’s my breakdown.
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Winner for Families | Buena Park | Superior safety, highly-rated schools, and a community built for kids. The slightly lower home price is a huge bonus. |
| Winner for Singles/Young Pros | Los Angeles | Unmatched career opportunities, endless nightlife, cultural diversity, and a dating pool that's miles wide. The energy is irreplaceable. |
| Winner for Retirees | Buena Park | Peace, safety, predictable weather, and a quieter pace. Proximity to healthcare and services without the chaos of a major metro. |
Los Angeles: Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- World-class career opportunities in entertainment, tech, and business.
- Incredible cultural and culinary diversity.
- Iconic neighborhoods from the beach to the hills.
- Perfect, mild weather year-round.
- Cons:
- Astronomical cost of living, especially for housing.
- Notorious traffic and long commutes.
- Higher crime rates (varies by area).
- Extremely competitive housing market.
Buena Park: Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Much safer than LA.
- Excellent public schools and family-friendly environment.
- Slightly more affordable housing market (though still very expensive).
- Quieter, suburban lifestyle.
- Cons:
- Limited career opportunities outside of nearby Anaheim/Irvine.
- Less cultural diversity and nightlife compared to LA.
- Car-dependent; less public transit.
- Can feel "boring" if you're looking for urban excitement.
My Final Take: This isn't really a fair fight—it's comparing an apple to an orange. Los Angeles is for those who prioritize career, culture, and energy above all else, and are willing to pay the literal and figurative price for it. Buena Park is for those who have achieved (or prioritize) stability, safety, and family, and want a comfortable home base within striking distance of Southern California's opportunities.
Choose the city that aligns with your life chapter, not just your budget.