Salary, Cost of Living & Best Neighborhoods in Chatsworth, CA

Last Updated: October 15, 2025By Tags:
Chatsworth, CA

Salary And Cost Of Living In Chatsworth CA

Situated in the northwestern region of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, Chatsworth, CA offers a distinctive blend of suburban comfort, scenic foothills, and convenient access to major employment centers. For professionals and families considering a move, understanding the average salary, cost of living, housing market, neighborhoods, and schools in Chatsworth, California is essential. The following guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you evaluate whether Chatsworth aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals.

Average Salary In Chatsworth CA

Chatsworth benefits from its proximity to major Los Angeles employment hubs and a mix of local industries such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, and professional services. As a result, the community tends to offer competitive wages compared with many other parts of the San Fernando Valley.

While exact numbers can vary by industry and experience, residents in Chatsworth, CA typically see household incomes that reflect a middle to upper-middle–income community. Many residents work in nearby business parks or commute to greater Los Angeles, Burbank, or Santa Monica for higher-paying positions in entertainment, tech, and healthcare.

Below is a sample snapshot of typical annual salary ranges for common roles in Chatsworth, California (approximate and for illustrative purposes):

Job Title (Chatsworth CA) Approximate Annual Salary Range
Administrative Assistant $40,000 – $55,000
Manufacturing Technician $45,000 – $65,000
Registered Nurse $85,000 – $120,000
Software Engineer $100,000 – $150,000+
Project Manager $80,000 – $120,000

Because Chatsworth is part of the broader Los Angeles market, earning potential can be significant, especially in specialized fields. However, incomes should always be evaluated in the context of the local cost of living, which is notably higher than the national average.

Cost Of Living In Chatsworth CA

The cost of living in Chatsworth, CA closely mirrors that of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, running substantially above the U.S. average. Housing is the primary driver of this higher cost, though transportation, healthcare, and everyday expenses also contribute.

To provide a general comparison, consider the following approximate cost-of-living index where 100 represents the U.S. average:

Category Chatsworth CA Index U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living 145 100
Housing 190 100
Groceries 115 100
Transportation 140 100
Healthcare 110 100

These figures illustrate that living in Chatsworth, California generally requires a higher income to maintain the same standard of living found in more affordable regions. At the same time, many residents are drawn to the area’s lower density compared with central Los Angeles, as well as its access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Santa Susana Mountains.

Average Home Values And Rents In Chatsworth CA

The housing market in Chatsworth, CA is characterized by a mix of single-family homes, gated communities, townhomes, and apartment complexes. Due to limited land and ongoing demand, both home values and rental rates are elevated.

Buyers will find that prices vary significantly based on home size, age, and neighborhood amenities, while renters can choose from a range of older buildings and newer luxury complexes.

Housing Metric (Chatsworth CA) Approximate Value
Median Single-Family Home Value $850,000 – $950,000
Typical Condo/Townhome Value $600,000 – $750,000
Average 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent $2,100 – $2,500 per month
Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent $2,600 – $3,200 per month
Average 3-Bedroom Single-Family Rent $3,500 – $4,500+ per month

To visualize how home prices in Chatsworth, CA compare with a broader benchmark, the chart below uses a simple bar-style layout:

Location Median Home Price Relative Level
Chatsworth CA $900,000 ████████████████████
Los Angeles County Overall $800,000 ██████████████████
United States Overall $430,000 ███████

As this comparison suggests, Chatsworth home values typically sit above county and national averages, underscoring the importance of aligning your housing budget with local market realities.

Best Neighborhoods In Chatsworth CA

When exploring neighborhoods in Chatsworth, California, prospective residents will encounter a variety of settings, from hillside estates with panoramic views to quiet streets near parks and schools. While preferences are highly personal, certain areas frequently stand out for their desirability.

Neighborhood / Area (Chatsworth CA) Key Characteristics
North Chatsworth Foothills Scenic hillside homes, larger lots, proximity to hiking trails, quiet residential feel.
Chatsworth Park Area Close to Chatsworth Park South and North, family-friendly, mix of single-family homes and condos.
West Chatsworth Suburban environment with cul-de-sacs, convenient to shopping centers and major roadways.
Industrial And Business Districts Near major employers, more limited residential options but convenient for certain professionals.

Each neighborhood in Chatsworth, CA offers its own balance of commute times, school access, and lifestyle amenities. Because the area is relatively compact, residents typically enjoy short drives to local grocery stores, restaurants, and recreational facilities, while still maintaining easy connectivity to the broader Los Angeles region via the 118 freeway and Metrolink.

Schools And Education In Chatsworth CA

Families evaluating schools in Chatsworth, California will find that the community is served primarily by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), along with nearby charter and private school options. Educational quality is a major factor for many homebuyers, and Chatsworth offers several well-regarded campuses.

School (Chatsworth CA) Type Notes
Chatsworth Charter High School Public Charter Offers specialized programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities; draws students from across the valley.
Ernest Lawrence Middle School Public Neighborhood middle school with various academic and enrichment programs.
Chatsworth Park Elementary School Public Local elementary campus serving nearby residential areas.
Sierra Canyon School (nearby) Private Independent private school located in the broader area, popular among some Chatsworth families.

In addition, residents of Chatsworth, CA have access to nearby community colleges and universities throughout Los Angeles, including institutions specializing in engineering, business, and the arts. This educational ecosystem supports both career development and lifelong learning for local residents.

Living In Chatsworth CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

Choosing to live in Chatsworth, California involves weighing a relatively high cost of living against income potential and quality-of-life benefits. With strong average salaries, elevated home values, and competitive rents, Chatsworth is particularly well-suited for professionals and families who value a suburban setting within reach of major city amenities.

Ultimately, a successful move to Chatsworth, CA depends on aligning your budget with the local housing market, identifying a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, and understanding the educational opportunities available to your household. By carefully considering the salary ranges, cost-of-living factors, and community features outlined above, you can make a confident, informed decision about whether Chatsworth is the right place to live and work in the greater Los Angeles area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Chatsworth, CA

What is it like to live in Chatsworth, CA?

Chatsworth offers a suburban lifestyle on the northwest edge of Los Angeles, combining residential neighborhoods with scenic natural areas and a quieter pace than many parts of the city. Residents enjoy proximity to hiking and equestrian trails, rock formations in the Santa Susana Mountains, and several community parks. While it maintains a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, it still provides convenient access to major freeways, employment centers in the San Fernando Valley, and shopping and dining options along Devonshire Street and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

How does the cost of living in Chatsworth compare to other parts of Los Angeles?

The cost of living in Chatsworth is generally moderate to high compared with national averages, but it can be more affordable than many Westside and coastal Los Angeles neighborhoods. Housing costs make up the largest portion of expenses, with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment communities at a range of price points. Everyday costs such as groceries, transportation, and utilities are similar to much of the San Fernando Valley. Many residents consider the balance of space, neighborhood feel, and relative value to be a key advantage of the area.

What are the schools and education options like in Chatsworth?

Chatsworth is served primarily by the Los Angeles Unified School District, with several public elementary, middle, and high schools in and around the community. Some schools in the area are recognized for strong academic and extracurricular programs, including magnet and specialized tracks. There are also private and parochial school options within a reasonable driving distance. For higher education, residents can access nearby community colleges and universities elsewhere in the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles region, making it convenient for both traditional and adult learners.

What transportation options are available for residents of Chatsworth?

Chatsworth residents benefit from a combination of freeway access and public transit options. The community is near the 118 Freeway, with connections to the 405 and 5 Freeways for commuting to other parts of Los Angeles and neighboring counties. The Chatsworth Transportation Center serves as a hub, offering Metrolink commuter rail service, Amtrak connections on certain routes, and multiple local and regional bus lines. While many residents rely on cars for daily travel, the availability of rail and bus service provides alternatives for commuting and reduces the need to drive into downtown Los Angeles or other employment centers.

What recreational activities and amenities are available in Chatsworth?

Chatsworth is known for its outdoor recreation and open space, with access to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails in the Chatsworth Reservoir area, the Santa Susana Pass region, and nearby parks such as Chatsworth Park South and Stoney Point Park. Residents can enjoy rock climbing, nature walks, and scenic viewpoints just minutes from residential neighborhoods. In addition, the community offers local shopping centers, restaurants, fitness facilities, and neighborhood services, while larger retail destinations such as the Northridge Fashion Center are a short drive away, providing a broad range of amenities for daily life and leisure.

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