Salary, Cost of Living & Best Neighborhoods in Westlake Village, CA
Westlake Village, CA


Salary And Cost Of Living In Westlake Village CA
Located along the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Westlake Village, CA is known for its scenic setting, master‑planned neighborhoods, and strong community amenities. As a result, many professionals and families explore this area to understand if salaries align with the local cost of living. In what follows, we will examine the average salary, overall cost of living, home values, rents, neighborhoods, and schools in Westlake Village, California, helping you decide whether this community fits your financial and lifestyle goals.
Average Salary In Westlake Village CA
Westlake Village has a relatively affluent workforce, with many residents employed in professional services, healthcare, finance, technology, and entertainment-related industries. While exact numbers can vary by source and year, it is reasonable to categorize earnings in Westlake Village as above both the California and U.S. averages.
Below is an illustrative overview of income levels often seen in the Westlake Village area:
| Income Metric – Westlake Village CA | Estimated Amount (Annual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Individual Salary | $65,000 – $85,000 | Applies to many mid‑career professionals |
| Typical Household Income | $130,000 – $180,000+ | Often dual‑income professional households |
| High‑Earning Professionals | $200,000+ | Executives, specialists, and business owners |
Many residents commuting to Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks, or nearby corporate hubs benefit from higher regional salaries while enjoying the quieter lifestyle of Westlake Village, CA. This income profile directly influences housing demand and the general cost of living, which we will examine next.
Cost Of Living In Westlake Village CA
The cost of living in Westlake Village, CA is significantly higher than the national average, primarily due to housing, transportation, and services. Compared with other communities in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, Westlake Village often falls in the upper tier for overall living expenses.
The following chart-style table provides a comparative sense of how Westlake Village stacks up using the U.S. average as a baseline (100):
| Cost Category | Westlake Village CA Index* | U.S. Average Index |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost Of Living | 170 – 190 | 100 |
| Housing | 220 – 260 | 100 |
| Groceries | 115 – 125 | 100 |
| Transportation | 120 – 135 | 100 |
| Healthcare | 105 – 115 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 – 110 | 100 |
*Index values are approximate and for illustrative comparison only.
Housing is the single largest driver of the elevated cost of living in Westlake Village, CA. Day‑to‑day expenses such as groceries, dining out, and services are also somewhat higher than average, reflecting the area’s affluent consumer base. For residents with strong incomes, these costs are manageable, but prospective movers should budget carefully, especially if transitioning from a lower-cost state.
Average Home Values And Rents In Westlake Village CA
Real estate in Westlake Village is highly sought after due to its planned communities, proximity to employment centers, and strong schools. Home values have historically trended upward, supported by limited inventory and strong demand from professionals and families.
Below is a snapshot of typical home values and rental ranges in Westlake Village, California:
| Property Type – Westlake Village CA | Typical Price / Rent Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Condominiums / Townhomes | $750,000 – $1,100,000+ (purchase) | Often in gated or amenity‑rich communities |
| Single‑Family Homes | $1,200,000 – $2,000,000+ (purchase) | Commonly 3–5 bedrooms with yards or views |
| Luxury Estates / Lakefront | $2,500,000 – $5,000,000+ (purchase) | Custom homes, large lots, and prime locations |
| 1‑Bedroom Apartment | $2,500 – $3,200 per month (rent) | Appeals to singles and couples |
| 2–3 Bedroom Apartment / Townhome | $3,200 – $4,500+ per month (rent) | Popular with young families and relocating professionals |
Homeownership in Westlake Village, CA typically requires a substantial down payment and strong income qualifications. However, buyers benefit from attractive neighborhoods, stable property values, and the overall prestige of the community. Renters, meanwhile, enjoy flexibility but must be prepared for premium monthly rates compared with many other Southern California suburbs.
Best Neighborhoods In Westlake Village CA
Westlake Village, California is made up of several well‑designed neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of amenities, architecture, and lifestyle. When considering where to live, it is helpful to compare areas by environment, housing style, and price point.
| Neighborhood – Westlake Village CA | Key Features | Typical Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| North Ranch (adjacent area often associated with Westlake) | Golf course views, large custom homes, tree‑lined streets | Buyers seeking luxury properties and a country‑club feel |
| Westlake Island | Private, guard‑gated community on Westlake Lake | High‑end buyers who value lakefront living and exclusivity |
| First Neighborhood | Original master‑planned section, central location, parks and greenbelts | Families who want walkability, community pools, and schools nearby |
| Southshore / Lakeside Areas | Proximity to lake, shops, and restaurants | Residents who enjoy waterfront ambiance and convenient amenities |
| Westlake Trails & Westlake Hills | Hillside homes, larger lots, and scenic canyon views | Buyers looking for privacy and a more natural setting |
Choosing the best neighborhood in Westlake Village, CA depends heavily on lifestyle priorities. Those who value walkable access to shops and dining may favor central or lakeside areas, while buyers seeking seclusion and larger properties often gravitate toward hillside or golf course communities. Working with a local real estate professional can help narrow down the best fit for your budget and preferences.
Schools In Westlake Village CA
Schools are a major reason many families relocate to Westlake Village, CA. The city is primarily served by the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) and neighboring districts, which are widely recognized for strong academic programs, competitive test scores, and robust extracurricular opportunities.
Below is a high‑level overview of school options typically associated with Westlake Village:
| School Type – Westlake Village CA | Examples | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | White Oak Elementary, Westlake Elementary (nearby campuses) | Strong foundational programs, active parent involvement |
| Middle Schools | Lindero Canyon Middle School, Colina Middle (nearby) | Advanced classes, arts and athletics programs |
| High Schools | Westlake High School, Agoura High School (district schools) | College‑prep curriculum, AP courses, diverse sports and clubs |
| Private & Independent Schools | Oaks Christian School, St. Jude, other local academies | Faith‑based or specialized programs with smaller class sizes |
Families frequently cite education quality as a key factor in paying Westlake Village’s premium housing costs. With reputable public and private options, students benefit from a supportive academic environment, strong extracurricular pathways, and convenient access to community resources like parks, libraries, and youth sports.
Living In Westlake Village CA Is It Worth The Cost
When considering the salary and cost of living in Westlake Village, CA, the picture that emerges is one of a high‑end, family‑oriented community with commensurately high expenses. Residents typically enjoy elevated incomes, attractive neighborhoods, high-performing schools, and access to both nature and urban job centers. At the same time, housing prices, rents, and daily costs sit well above national norms.
For professionals and families with stable, above‑average earnings, Westlake Village, California can offer an exceptional quality of life—beautiful surroundings, a strong sense of community, and a convenient location near Thousand Oaks, Malibu, and greater Los Angeles. However, those on more modest incomes may find that the financial tradeoffs are challenging, particularly when it comes to purchasing a home or managing long‑term rental costs.
Ultimately, the decision to move to or remain in Westlake Village hinges on aligning your career, salary expectations, lifestyle preferences, and housing budget. By understanding the local salary ranges, cost of living, real estate market, neighborhoods, and schools, you can make a well‑informed choice about whether Westlake Village, CA is the right Southern California community for you.


Living in Westlake Village, CA – Frequently Asked Questions
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