Is Malibu Expensive?

Los Angeles, United States

+42% vs Los Angeles avg

Living in Malibu, Los Angeles

Malibu is the most expensive area in Los Angeles, with a cost of living index of 108.3 — that is +42% compared to the Los Angeles average. Only the top 2 of 30 neighborhoods cost more. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $3,408/month, compared to a range of $1,728 in Inglewood to $3,480 in Bel Air.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Malibu, housing takes up roughly 55% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $136,320 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Malibu

Salaries in Malibu reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 108.3:

After tax and deductions of 32.9% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $136,320 would be roughly $91,471/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

108.3
COLI Index
1.42x
vs City Avg
$3,408
Est. 1BR Rent
#2
of 30 Areas
32.9%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Malibu

Estimated annual deductions on a $81,225 salary in Malibu, Los Angeles (local employee).

Income Tax
16%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (CA)
9.3%
Total Deductions: 32.9%
Est. Take-Home: $54,535/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Malibu would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $81,225
London GBP £69,901
Dubai AED AED 406,433

Other Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Bel Air 110.6 1.45x +45%
Beverly Hills 106.8 1.40x +40%
Manhattan Beach 99.2 1.30x +30%
Santa Monica 95.4 1.25x +25%
West Hollywood 93.1 1.22x +22%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Los Angeles →

Convert Your Salary

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Compare Malibu

Malibu vs Beverly Hills Malibu vs Bel Air

Los Angeles City Comparisons

New York vs Los Angeles

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Malibu:

Key Biscayne, Miami Coronado, San Diego Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego Canal Ring (Centrum), Amsterdam Back Bay, Boston Del Mar, San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malibu expensive in Los Angeles?

Yes, Malibu is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It costs about +42% more than the city average, ranking #2 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Malibu compare to the Los Angeles average?

The cost of living in Malibu is significantly above the Los Angeles average. With a multiplier of 1.42x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +42% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.