Alameda vs Los Angeles: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Alameda, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alameda, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,629 | $96,823▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.20 | $46.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,094 | $61,884▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,184 | $75,993▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,046 | $125,482▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,625 | $158,666▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 70,640▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alameda.
The salary gap between Alameda and Los Angeles is $13,194 (15.78%). Los Angeles's median is +12.76% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alameda spans $72,531,Los Angeles spans $96,782. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($85,257 effective) pays 15.30% more than Alameda ($73,943 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alameda if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,823/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,666)
- ✓Larger job market (70,640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,257)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Alameda grew -27.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Alameda, CA
$112,038 (2024) → $81,502 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$72,570 (2019) → $94,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alameda, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Alameda or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alameda and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Alameda to Los Angeles as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Alameda vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov