Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,823▲ | $87,136 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.54▲ | $41.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,884▲ | $57,102 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,993▲ | $74,105 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,482▲ | $111,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,666▲ | $139,078 |
| Total Employed | 70,640▲ | 740 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $9,687 (11.12%). 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 Los Angeles spans $96,782,Santa Cruz spans $81,976. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($85,257 effective) pays 7.53% more than Santa Cruz ($79,290 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Los Angeles grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$72,570 (2019) → $94,360 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$75,420 (2019) → $84,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
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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