Ladera Heights CA Salary And Cost Of Living Overview

Ladera Heights, CA is a desirable, primarily residential community located on the Westside of Los Angeles County, just east of Culver City and north of Inglewood. Known for its spacious homes, proximity to major job centers, and strong community feel, Ladera Heights attracts professionals and families who value both convenience and comfort. Understanding the salary expectations and cost of living in Ladera Heights, CA is essential for anyone considering a move, a job change, or a real estate investment in the area.

In the following sections, we will explore the average salary levels, cost of living, home values and rents, best neighborhoods, and local schools in Ladera Heights, CA. This information will help you make informed decisions and better evaluate whether this community aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.

Average Salary In Ladera Heights CA

Ladera Heights benefits from its close proximity to major employment hubs such as Culver City, Silicon Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, and the greater Westside. Many residents work in professional, managerial, tech, entertainment, healthcare, and government roles. As a result, household incomes in Ladera Heights, CA tend to be higher than the Los Angeles County average.

While actual earnings vary by occupation, experience, and industry, the following table offers a useful overview of estimated income levels for the area.

Income Metric (Ladera Heights CA)	Estimated Amount (Annual)
Median Household Income	$115,000 – $135,000
Average Household Income	$140,000 – $160,000
Typical Professional Salary (Mid-Career)	$85,000 – $120,000
Typical Tech/Media Salary (Mid-Career)	$110,000 – $160,000
Typical Healthcare/Allied Health Salary	$80,000 – $130,000

Professional and dual-income households are common in Ladera Heights, CA, helping residents manage the area’s relatively high housing and living costs. When evaluating potential salaries, it is important to compare your expected earnings to the local cost of living, especially housing and transportation, which often account for the largest share of the household budget.

Cost Of Living In Ladera Heights CA

The cost of living in Ladera Heights, CA is significantly higher than the national average, primarily due to real estate prices, property taxes, and transportation costs associated with the Los Angeles region. However, compared to some coastal Westside neighborhoods, Ladera Heights can still feel relatively more spacious and, in some cases, slightly more affordable for the amount of home you receive.

The chart below provides a general sense of how Ladera Heights compares to national and Los Angeles County averages.

Cost Category	Ladera Heights CA Index*	Los Angeles County Index*	US Average Index*
Overall Cost Of Living	165 – 180	150 – 160	100
Housing Costs	220 – 250	210 – 230	100
Groceries	115 – 125	115 – 120	100
Transportation	125 – 135	120 – 130	100
Healthcare	105 – 115	105 – 110	100
Utilities	95 – 105	95 – 105	100

*Index values are approximate and benchmarked to 100 as the national average.

Housing is the primary driver of the higher cost of living in Ladera Heights, CA. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare also trend above national averages, yet they are generally in line with the broader Los Angeles region. Residents often offset high living expenses with higher-than-average incomes and by taking advantage of the community’s convenient location, which can reduce commute times to key job centers.

Average Home Values And Rents In Ladera Heights CA

Ladera Heights is known for its large lots, mid-century and contemporary single-family homes, and tree-lined residential streets. Buyers and renters are often drawn to the neighborhood’s relative privacy and community feel compared to some denser Los Angeles neighborhoods. However, this desirability is reflected in strong home values and competitive rental rates in Ladera Heights, CA.

The table below summarizes estimated housing prices and rental costs.

Housing Metric (Ladera Heights CA)	Estimated Price/Cost
Median Single-Family Home Value	$1,300,000 – $1,700,000
Price Per Square Foot (For-Sale Homes)	$650 – $850 per sq. ft.
Typical 2–3 Bedroom Condo/Townhome	$700,000 – $1,000,000
Average Rent – 1 Bedroom Apartment	$2,400 – $3,000 per month
Average Rent – 2 Bedroom Apartment	$3,000 – $3,800 per month
Average Rent – Single-Family Home	$4,000 – $6,000+ per month

Competitive bidding is common for well-priced properties in Ladera Heights, CA, especially for homes that have been recently renovated or that offer views and larger lots. Buyers should be prepared with mortgage pre-approval, and renters should anticipate application screening and security deposits in line with Los Angeles norms.

Best Neighborhoods In Ladera Heights CA

Although Ladera Heights is not a large city, it includes several micro-neighborhoods and adjoining areas that offer distinct characteristics. When evaluating the best neighborhoods in and around Ladera Heights, CA, consider factors such as home style, lot size, access to parks, and proximity to major roads like La Cienega Boulevard and Slauson Avenue.

Neighborhood/Area	Key Features
Upper Ladera Heights (North Of Slauson)	Known for larger, hilltop homes, some with views toward the city or mountains; quiet, residential streets and strong community feel.
Lower Ladera Heights	Mix of mid-century and updated homes, convenient access to major routes, and relative proximity to nearby shopping and dining.
Adjacent View Park–Windsor Hills Area	Historically significant neighborhood with beautiful architecture and hillside views; offers an alternative for those exploring the Ladera Heights vicinity.
Nearby Culver City And Fox Hills	More urban feel with condos and townhomes; close to major employers, retail centers, and restaurants in downtown Culver City.

Choosing the best neighborhood in Ladera Heights, CA depends on your priorities. Homebuyers seeking larger lots and a quieter residential setting may gravitate toward Upper Ladera Heights, while those wanting quicker freeway access or proximity to Culver City amenities may explore Lower Ladera Heights and adjacent communities. Working with a local real estate professional who understands micro-market trends can be highly beneficial.

Schools In Ladera Heights CA

Families considering a move often place significant weight on school quality in and around Ladera Heights, CA. The area is primarily served by the Inglewood Unified and Los Angeles Unified school districts, but families also frequently look at nearby charter schools, magnets, and private school options throughout the Westside and South Bay.

The following table highlights some educational options commonly considered by Ladera Heights residents. Always verify current boundaries, enrollment options, and ratings, as these can change over time.

School/Type (Near Ladera Heights CA)	Notes
Local Public Elementary Schools	Served primarily by Inglewood Unified and Los Angeles Unified; families often review performance data and consider transfer and magnet options.
Magnet And Charter Schools	Numerous magnet and charter programs exist within a short commute, including STEM and performing arts–focused schools in the greater Los Angeles area.
Private And Parochial Schools	Families may opt for private K–12 schools in nearby Culver City, Westchester, and the Westside; options range from faith-based schools to college-preparatory academies.
Nearby Colleges And Universities	Close driving distance to institutions such as Loyola Marymount University, USC, and West Los Angeles College, offering continuing education and cultural resources.

School choice is a crucial part of evaluating a move to Ladera Heights, CA. Prospective residents are encouraged to tour campuses, review up-to-date academic performance reports, and speak with local parents to understand the full range of educational opportunities.

Ladera Heights CA Living Is It Right For You

Deciding whether to live in Ladera Heights, CA ultimately comes down to balancing salary potential, housing costs, commuting patterns, and lifestyle preferences. Residents often value the neighborhood’s spacious homes, strong sense of community, and proximity to employment centers like Culver City, Playa Vista, and Downtown Los Angeles.

On the other hand, the high cost of living and elevated home prices in Ladera Heights, CA require careful financial planning. Prospective buyers and renters should compare their expected income to realistic housing and everyday expense estimates. By thoroughly understanding average salaries, property values, rental rates, neighborhood nuances, and school options, you can determine whether Ladera Heights aligns with your long-term personal and financial goals.

For many professionals and families, Ladera Heights offers a compelling blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience. If you are seeking a well-established neighborhood in Los Angeles County with strong earning potential and a high quality of life, Ladera Heights, CA may be an excellent place to call home.