Salary And Cost Of Living In Century City CA

Century City, CA is one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable business and residential districts, known for its sleek high-rises, entertainment industry offices, and luxury condominiums. As a centrally located neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles, it blends corporate energy with upscale urban living. Understanding the salary expectations, cost of living, housing market, neighborhoods, and schools in Century City, CA is essential for professionals, families, and investors considering a move or relocation to this prime area.

Average Salary In Century City CA

Century City, CA is home to law firms, talent agencies, financial services companies, and major entertainment and media corporations. As a result, salaries tend to be higher than many other parts of Los Angeles. While exact figures vary by profession and experience level, local data and regional trends offer a useful guide to typical earnings in the area.

Below is an illustrative table of estimated average annual salaries in Century City, CA by role category, reflecting the premium often associated with working in this high-demand business hub:

Job Category (Century City, CA)	Estimated Average Salary (Annual)
Attorney / Law Firm Associate	$155,000 – $230,000
Entertainment / Media Executive (Mid-Level)	$120,000 – $190,000
Financial Analyst / Investment Professional	$90,000 – $150,000
Senior Corporate Manager	$130,000 – $200,000
Administrative / Office Professional	$55,000 – $85,000
Hospitality / Retail Roles	$38,000 – $55,000

Overall, the median household income around Century City, CA is significantly higher than the Los Angeles citywide median, often ranging from the mid-$90,000s to well above $120,000 depending on the specific residential building and demographic profile. However, it is important to note that these higher incomes are generally matched by a higher cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and everyday expenses.

Cost Of Living In Century City CA

Living in Century City, CA generally means paying a premium for convenience, amenities, and proximity to major employment centers. The neighborhood’s cost of living is elevated, especially compared with many other Los Angeles communities outside of the Westside. Housing costs are the primary driver, but day-to-day expenses also trend above national averages.

The following table offers a high-level comparison of cost of living estimates in Century City, CA relative to both the U.S. average and the broader Los Angeles area (index of 100 = U.S. average):

Cost Category	Century City, CA Index	Los Angeles Metro Index	U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living	175 – 190	150 – 165	100
Housing	230 – 260	200 – 220	100
Groceries	115 – 125	110 – 120	100
Transportation	120 – 130	115 – 125	100
Healthcare	110 – 120	105 – 115	100
Utilities	105 – 115	100 – 110	100

In practical terms, this means that everyday living in Century City, CA can cost 70–90% more than the national average, with rent or mortgage payments comprising the largest share. Residents should budget carefully for parking, insurance, dining out in nearby Beverly Hills and Westwood, and premium services often associated with high-rise buildings.

Average Home Values And Rents In Century City CA

Century City, CA is dominated by luxury condominiums, high-rise apartment towers, and a few surrounding single-family home pockets. The housing stock is modern, amenity-rich, and highly sought after, especially by professionals who work nearby or in adjacent business districts.

Below is an overview of estimated average home values and rents in Century City, CA compared with Los Angeles overall:

Housing Type (Century City, CA)	Estimated Average Rent / Price	Estimated LA City Average
Studio Apartment (Rent, Monthly)	$2,600 – $3,200	$1,900 – $2,300
1-Bedroom Apartment (Rent, Monthly)	$3,100 – $3,900	$2,300 – $2,900
2-Bedroom Apartment / Condo (Rent, Monthly)	$4,000 – $5,500+	$3,000 – $3,900
Luxury High-Rise Condo (Purchase Price)	$1.2M – $3.0M+	$750,000 – $1.5M
High-End Penthouse / Large Condo (Purchase Price)	$3.0M – $7.0M+	$1.5M – $4.0M+

Because Century City, CA real estate includes many full-service buildings, buyers and renters should also factor in additional costs such as homeowners association (HOA) fees, building amenities, valet and parking fees, and potential special assessments. These extra charges can meaningfully increase monthly housing expenses, even for those with well-above-average incomes.

Best Neighborhoods Near Century City CA

While Century City, CA itself is relatively compact, it is surrounded by several highly desirable neighborhoods that share similar prestige and convenience. Each offers a slightly different lifestyle and price point while remaining close to Century City’s office towers and shopping destinations.

Here is a comparative look at popular neighborhoods in and around Century City, CA for residents and relocating professionals:

Neighborhood	Key Characteristics	Typical Housing Profile
Century City, CA (Core)	Business district, luxury condos, walkable to offices and Westfield Century City	High-rise condos, upscale apartments, some townhomes
Cheviot Hills, CA	Quiet, residential, tree-lined streets with a suburban feel	Single-family homes, many with yards, higher price point
Beverly Hills, CA	World-famous luxury shopping and dining, iconic residential streets	Estate homes, luxury condos, premium apartments
Westwood, CA	Home to UCLA, vibrant student and professional mix	Condos, apartments, smaller single-family homes
West Los Angeles, CA	More mixed-use and slightly more accessible price points	Low- and mid-rise apartments, some single-family residences

For those who want to live right in Century City, CA, the appeal lies in a car-light lifestyle, direct access to major employers, and the convenience of Westfield Century City’s shopping, dining, and entertainment. Those looking for more traditional single-family homes often consider nearby Cheviot Hills or Westwood, balancing proximity to Century City with a quieter, residential environment.

Schools In And Around Century City CA

Families considering a move to Century City, CA will find a mix of public, charter, and private school options in the surrounding area. Century City itself is primarily a commercial and high-density residential neighborhood, so most schools are just outside its boundaries but still within a short commute.

The following table summarizes notable schools serving Century City, CA and its nearby neighborhoods (program offerings and ratings are subject to change, so families should verify the latest information):

School	Type	Approximate Grade Levels	Nearby Neighborhood
Westwood Charter Elementary School	Public (Charter)	TK – 5	Westwood, CA
Fairburn Avenue Elementary School	Public	K – 5	Westwood, CA
Emerson Community Charter Middle School	Public (Charter)	6 – 8	Westwood, CA
Palisades Charter High School (within commuting distance)	Public (Charter)	9 – 12	Pacific Palisades, CA
Harvard-Westlake School	Private	7 – 12	Studio City / West LA campus access
Notre Dame Academy	Private (Catholic)	6 – 12	West Los Angeles, CA

In addition, UCLA in nearby Westwood, CA is a major higher-education anchor, making the broader Century City area attractive not only to families but also to graduate students, university staff, and faculty members seeking a convenient Westside location.

Living And Working In Century City CA

Balancing the salary potential and cost of living in Century City, CA is a key consideration for anyone planning to relocate to this part of Los Angeles. The neighborhood offers high earning opportunities, especially in law, media, finance, and corporate management, but these salaries must be weighed against premium housing prices, elevated everyday expenses, and potential HOA or amenity fees. For professionals who prioritize a walkable urban environment, access to top-tier shopping and dining, and proximity to major employers, Century City stands out as a premier choice on the Westside.

By carefully reviewing average salaries, comparing rental and purchase options, exploring nearby neighborhoods, and researching schools, individuals and families can make an informed decision about whether Century City, CA is the right fit for their lifestyle and financial goals. With thoughtful planning and realistic budgeting, it is possible to enjoy the advantages of this dynamic Los Angeles enclave while maintaining long-term financial stability.