Salary And Cost Of Living In Highland Park CA

Highland Park, CA, a historic neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles, has become one of the city’s most desirable areas for young professionals, creative workers, and families. As the neighborhood has grown in popularity, both incomes and living expenses have shifted significantly. Understanding the salary and cost of living in Highland Park, CA is essential for anyone considering moving to the area, negotiating a job offer, or evaluating a long-term housing decision. The following guide provides an in-depth look at average salaries, everyday expenses, housing costs, neighborhoods, and schools, with a focus on practical information for current and future residents.

Average Salary In Highland Park CA

Because Highland Park is part of the greater Los Angeles economy, income levels here are closely tied to regional job markets in entertainment, tech, healthcare, education, and the creative industries. Many residents commute to Downtown Los Angeles, Burbank, Pasadena, or Hollywood, while an increasing number work remotely.

Below is an illustrative overview of estimated average annual salaries for common professions among Highland Park residents. Actual salaries can vary by employer, experience, and education level.

Occupation (Highland Park Area)	Estimated Average Annual Salary
Registered Nurse	$95,000 – $115,000
Public School Teacher	$70,000 – $90,000
Software Engineer	$115,000 – $150,000
Graphic Designer / Creative Professional	$60,000 – $85,000
Retail / Service Worker	$35,000 – $50,000
Administrative / Office Support	$45,000 – $65,000

For many dual-income households in Highland Park, combined earnings often fall between $120,000 and $200,000 per year, which is more aligned with the area’s rising housing costs. However, residents working in service and hospitality face greater pressure from the neighborhood’s increasing cost of living.

Cost Of Living In Highland Park CA

The cost of living in Highland Park, CA is higher than the national average, reflecting its position within Los Angeles. Housing is the primary driver of expenses, but transportation, groceries, and entertainment also contribute to the overall budget.

Below is an example snapshot of monthly living costs for a single person and a family of four in Highland Park, excluding income taxes and major debt payments.

Expense Category	Single Adult (Approx. Monthly)	Family Of Four (Approx. Monthly)
Rent (Apartment)	$2,000 – $2,700	$3,200 – $4,200
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash)	$120 – $200	$180 – $260
Internet & Mobile	$90 – $150	$130 – $200
Groceries	$350 – $550	$800 – $1,200
Transportation (Car/Transit)	$200 – $450	$500 – $800
Dining & Entertainment	$200 – $400	$300 – $600
Childcare / After-School (If Needed)	–	$600 – $1,400

As this table suggests, high housing costs mean that many residents dedicate a large share of their income to rent or mortgage payments. At the same time, Highland Park offers a range of lower-cost options for dining, thrift shopping, and transit, which can help balance budgets for cost-conscious residents.

Average Home Values And Rents In Highland Park CA

Real estate in Highland Park, CA, has experienced dramatic appreciation over the past decade, driven by its walkable streets, historic homes, and proximity to Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. As a result, both home values and rents in Highland Park are among the fastest-rising in Northeast Los Angeles.

The following table shows an illustrative range of prices for different property types in Highland Park, CA:

Property Type (Highland Park CA)	Typical Price / Rent Range
Single-Family Home (2–3 BR)	$950,000 – $1,300,000+
Condominium / Townhome	$650,000 – $900,000
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$1,900 – $2,500 / month
2-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$2,400 – $3,200 / month
Small Single-Family Home Rent	$3,200 – $4,200 / month

While these figures can shift with the market, they highlight the need for strong income, savings, or dual earners to comfortably afford housing in Highland Park. Residents often weigh the trade-off between owning in Highland Park versus renting or purchasing in nearby neighborhoods with slightly lower prices, such as Cypress Park or El Sereno.

Best Neighborhoods In Highland Park CA

Within Highland Park, several micro-neighborhoods and corridors offer distinct lifestyles, price points, and amenities. When evaluating salary and cost of living in Highland Park, CA, it is helpful to understand how these areas compare.

Area / Corridor	Highlights
York Boulevard Corridor	Trendy and walkable area with cafes, restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and creative spaces. Popular with younger professionals and artists. Rents are competitive but slightly more varied, with some older buildings offering relative value.
Figueroa Street Corridor	Major commercial artery featuring transit access (Metro Gold Line), restaurants, and nightlife. Newer mixed-use buildings provide modern apartments at higher price points, balanced by older apartments and small homes nearby.
Garvanza (Eastern Highland Park)	Historic district known for beautiful craftsman homes, tree-lined streets, and a quieter residential feel. Home prices are generally higher here, and it is attractive to families and long-term homeowners.
Hilltop And Hillside Streets	Areas up in the hills offer city and mountain views, with a mix of renovated bungalows and mid-century homes. Rents and purchase prices are often at the upper end of the neighborhood’s range.
Border Areas Near Eagle Rock & Pasadena	Streets at the northern and eastern edges of Highland Park may provide a mix of price points and easier access to freeways and nearby cities. These areas can sometimes offer slightly more space for the cost.

Choosing the best neighborhood in Highland Park, CA depends largely on budget, commute needs, and lifestyle preferences. Prospective residents should walk the area at different times of day, compare rents, and factor in transit access to Downtown Los Angeles and other work hubs.

Schools In Highland Park CA

For families evaluating the cost of living in Highland Park, CA, schools are a central part of the decision-making process. Highland Park is served primarily by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), with several public, magnet, and charter options within or near the neighborhood. Private and parochial schools are also available in surrounding communities.

The table below provides an overview of notable schools in and around Highland Park, CA (offerings and performance ratings may change over time and should be verified directly with each school):

School	Type	Grades	General Notes
Buchanan Street Elementary School	Public (LAUSD)	K–6	Neighborhood elementary serving parts of Highland Park; offers standard curriculum with community-focused programs.
Monte Vista Street Elementary School	Public (LAUSD)	K–6	Another key neighborhood elementary school, convenient for many families near York Boulevard.
Benjamin Franklin High School	Public (LAUSD)	9–12	Primary comprehensive high school for Highland Park; offers college-prep courses, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
Charter And Magnet Options (Various)	Public Charter / Magnet	K–12	Several charter and magnet schools in Northeast LA attract Highland Park families looking for specialized programs or smaller environments.
Nearby Private & Parochial Schools	Private	K–12	Schools in neighboring Eagle Rock, Pasadena, and South Pasadena offer additional options, often with tuition-based enrollment.

Because school quality and fit can significantly affect a family’s cost of living (including the potential need for private tuition or additional transportation), it is wise for parents to research boundaries, tour campuses, and speak with other local families before making a housing decision in Highland Park, CA.

Living And Working In Highland Park CA

Highland Park, CA, offers a compelling blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and relatively central Los Angeles location. However, the neighborhood’s popularity has translated into higher salaries for some and mounting affordability challenges for others. To thrive here, residents often balance higher housing expenses with careful budgeting in other areas, strategic career choices, or shared living arrangements.

For anyone considering a move, it is helpful to compare expected salary ranges against current rents, home prices, commuting costs, and school preferences. By understanding the full picture of salary and cost of living in Highland Park, CA, prospective residents can make informed decisions and fully enjoy the culture, walkability, and community that make this neighborhood one of Los Angeles’s most distinctive places to call home.