📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Hollywood and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Hollywood vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Hollywood | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $60,630 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $496,850 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $363 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,621 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 156.4 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 102.9 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.60 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34.4% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate LA vs. Hollywood Showdown: Where Should You Actually Live?
Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: Hollywood is not a separate city from Los Angeles. It’s a legendary, densely populated neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles. But when people ask about moving to "Hollywood," they’re usually talking about a specific lifestyle and vibe that feels distinct from the sprawling metropolis of LA. They’re asking about walkability, the energy of the entertainment industry, and living in the heart of the action.
So, for this head-to-head, we’re pitting "LA" (the broader city, using the downtown/central LA stats as a proxy) against the "Hollywood" neighborhood vibe (using the specific Hollywood stats provided).
The question isn’t just about geography; it’s about what kind of life you want to build. Are you chasing the classic, sprawling LA dream, or do you want to live inside the postcard?
The Vibe Check
Los Angeles (The Sprawling Metropolis)
LA is a collection of over 80 distinct neighborhoods, from the beachy vibes of Santa Monica to the urban grit of Downtown. It’s a car-centric kingdom where your lifestyle is defined by your zip code. The vibe is diverse, often laid-back, and deeply connected to nature and car culture. It’s for the person who wants space, variety, and the ability to choose their own adventure every weekend—from hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains to surfing in Malibu.
Hollywood (The Epicenter of the Dream)
Hollywood is the beating, neon-lit heart of the entertainment industry. It’s a high-energy, tourist-heavy, walkable (in pockets) urban neighborhood. The vibe is electric, chaotic, and undeniably iconic. It’s for the person who wants to wake up to the Hollywood Sign, grab coffee on the Walk of Fame, and feel the pulse of the city’s creative engine. It’s less about sprawling space and more about being in the center of the action.
| Category | Los Angeles (Broad) | Hollywood (Neighborhood) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Vibe | Sprawling, diverse, car-centric | Iconic, electric, tourist-heavy | Hollywood for energy, LA for choice |
| Who It's For | Families, creatives wanting space | Young pros, industry hopefuls, urbanites | Depends on your life stage |
| Walkability | Low (except in pockets like DTLA) | Moderate (Hollywood Blvd area is walkable) | Hollywood |
The Insight: If you crave the classic "LA lifestyle"—a backyard, a driveway, and a short drive to the beach—Los Angeles is your canvas. If you want to live inside the movie set and thrive on sidewalk energy, Hollywood is the stage.
The Dollar Power: Can You Afford the Dream?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash.
The Sticker Shock: Rent & Housing
First, the raw numbers. We’re comparing the broader LA median to the specific Hollywood data.
| Expense | Los Angeles | Hollywood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $496,850 | LA is ~102% more expensive |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,621 | LA is ~24% more expensive |
| Housing Index (100=US Avg) | 173.0 | 156.4 | LA is ~11% more expensive |
Note: The Hollywood home price of $496,850 is surprisingly low for the area. This likely reflects the mix of property types, including older condos and apartments, as single-family homes in prime Hollywood can easily exceed $1.5 million. The median gives a baseline, but the market in Hollywood is incredibly diverse.
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn the median income in each area:
- LA Median Earner ($79,701): After California’s high state income tax and the brutal cost of housing, your purchasing power is squeezed. That $1,002,500 median home is 12.6x your annual income—an astronomically high ratio. You’ll likely be a renter or need a dual-income household to buy.
- Hollywood Median Earner ($60,630): The numbers look better on paper. The $496,850 home is 8.2x your income. Still high, but more manageable. However, remember that Hollywood’s average wages are lower than LA’s, partly because it attracts a younger, less-established workforce.
The Tax Man Cometh:
This is a huge deal. California has a state income tax of up to 13.3% on high earners. There’s no escaping it. If you’re coming from a state like Texas or Florida with 0% income tax, the "sticker shock" of your first California paycheck will be real. Your $100,000 salary in LA will feel like $75,000-$80,000 after taxes, compared to other states.
The Verdict on Dollar Power: If you’re a high-earner (e.g., $150k+), Hollywood offers slightly better bang for your buck on housing, especially if you’re open to a condo or apartment. For the median earner, both are extremely challenging, but Hollywood’s lower median home price gives it a slight edge for potential buyers on a strict budget.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Los Angeles:
- Buy: It’s a relentless seller’s market. Competition is fierce, cash offers are common, and bidding wars are standard. The median price of $1,002,500 is just a starting point. Buyers need a massive down payment and a high tolerance for stress. The housing supply is chronically low.
- Rent: Also a landlord’s market. Vacancy rates are tight, and prices are high. Rent control exists in some older buildings, but it’s complex. You’re competing with thousands of others for every decent unit.
Hollywood:
- Buy: Similarly competitive, but the market is more segmented. You can find condos and apartments in the $500k-$700k range, which is more accessible than LA’s single-family home market. However, for a classic Hollywood bungalow, you’re still looking at $1.2 million+. It’s a mixed market: intense for entry-level buyers, but with more "entry-level" options than the broader LA single-family scene.
- Rent: The rental market is vibrant and varied. You can find everything from a historic Art Deco building to a modern luxury high-rise. Competition is high, especially in the central, walkable areas. The average rent of $1,621 for a 1BR is a benchmark, but prices can swing wildly based on location and amenities.
The Verdict: If your dream is a single-family home with a yard, the broader Los Angeles area offers more options (in neighborhoods further from the core), but you’ll pay a premium. If you’re open to condo living and prioritize location over space, Hollywood gives you a more attainable entry point into homeownership.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
This is LA’s infamous signature. The average commute is long, and traffic is a constant reality.
- Los Angeles: You will drive. A lot. A 10-mile commute can take 45 minutes. The city is designed for cars, not people. If you hate driving, LA will test your patience daily.
- Hollywood: Slightly better. While you’ll still likely own a car, Hollywood has better access to the Metro Red Line, connecting you to Downtown LA, Universal Studios, and North Hollywood. Walkability is higher, so you can run errands on foot in areas like Franklin Village or Hollywood & Vine. Winner: Hollywood.
Weather
- Los Angeles: The data says 54.0°F, but that’s misleading. LA has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry (highs often 85-90°F), winters are mild and damp. There’s no snow, minimal humidity, and sunshine is abundant. It’s famously pleasant.
- Hollywood: The data point of 75.0°F is likely an annual average or a specific reading. Hollywood is part of the same climate zone. The difference is minimal, though Hollywood can feel slightly warmer due to less tree cover and more concrete. Verdict: It's a tie. Both offer some of the best weather in the U.S.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest look. California cities face crime challenges.
- Los Angeles: Violent Crime Rate: 732.5 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the U.S. average (~380/100k). Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Areas like Brentwood are very safe; parts of South LA struggle. You must research specific blocks.
- Hollywood: Violent Crime Rate: 567.0 per 100,000. This is also high, but notably lower than the broader LA average. Hollywood’s density and tourist traffic mean property crime is common, but violent crime, while serious, is statistically lower than the city-wide figure. Winner: Hollywood (marginally). It’s still an urban area, but the numbers suggest slightly less risk than the broader LA average.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?
After breaking down the data, the lifestyle, and the finances, here’s the final call.
| Winner For... | City | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Los Angeles (specifically its suburbs) | Space, yards, better schools in areas like Sherman Oaks, Culver City, or South Pasadena. The commute is a trade-off for a backyard and a quieter life. |
| Singles & Young Professionals | Hollywood | The walkability, energy, networking opportunities, and slightly more accessible entry point into the housing market (via condos) are perfect for this life stage. |
| Retirees | Los Angeles (in a quiet, established neighborhood) | Seek stability, safety, and access to healthcare. Neighborhoods like Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, or even the Westside offer a calmer pace than Hollywood, with all of LA’s amenities. |
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
LOS ANGELES (The Broad City)
Pros:
- Unmatched Diversity: From Koreatown to Venice, you can find a community for every identity.
- Natural Access: Beaches, mountains, and deserts are all within a 2-hour drive.
- Culinary Powerhouse: Every cuisine imaginable, from $5 tacos to Michelin-starred dining.
- Job Market: Massive, diverse economy beyond just entertainment.
Cons:
- Brutal Traffic: Commutes can dominate your life.
- High Cost of Living: Everything from gas to groceries is expensive.
- Homelessness Crisis: Visible and challenging, especially in downtown and westside areas.
- Sprawl: Lack of walkability means you need a car for almost everything.
HOLLYWOOD (The Iconic Neighborhood)
Pros:
- Walkability: You can live, work, and play without a car in certain pockets.
- Iconic Vibe: The energy is palpable and inspiring.
- Central Location: Easier access to the entire city via Metro and major roads.
- Cultural Hub: Theaters, music venues, and historic sites are on your doorstep.
Cons:
- Tourist Overload: The Hollywood Walk of Fame is packed, and traffic is a nightmare on weekends.
- Limited Space: Most housing is apartments/condos, not single-family homes.
- Noise & Light Pollution: It’s a busy, bright, and loud part of the city.
- Transient Population: High turnover and a mix of tourists, dreamers, and locals can feel unstable.
The Bottom Line
You’re not just choosing a city; you’re choosing a lifestyle. Los Angeles offers the classic, sprawling American city experience with endless variety and space (if you can afford it). Hollywood offers the concentrated, electric, and walkable urban experience at the heart of the entertainment world.
My final advice: If you value space, stability, and a backyard, look to the broader Los Angeles area (and be prepared for the commute). If you value energy, walkability, and being in the center of the action, Hollywood is your stage.
Choose wisely, and welcome to the West Coast.