Kennewick vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Kennewick	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$65,796	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$415,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$239	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,206	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	83.2	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.8	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	372.1	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	27.7%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	56	52

The Ultimate Showdown: Los Angeles vs. Kennewick, WA

By Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist

So, you’re staring down the barrel of a massive life decision: Los Angeles, the City of Angels, or Kennewick, Washington, the heart of the Tri-Cities. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, but in this case, Goliath has 3.8 million people and David has... well, 85,000.

Choosing between these two isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about picking a completely different lifestyle. Are you chasing the Hollywood dream, or are you looking for a quiet, affordable life in the Pacific Northwest's wine country?

Let's break down the data, cut through the hype, and figure out which city is the right move for you. Grab your coffee—this is going to be deep.

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1. The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Valley

Los Angeles is a sprawling, relentless beast. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality—beach vibes in Santa Monica, gritty culture in Boyle Heights, and star-studded glamour in Beverly Hills. The "LA vibe" is ambitious, diverse, and constantly moving. It’s for the hustlers, the creatives, and those who thrive on energy and endless options. If you want world-class museums, Michelin-starred dining, and a different concert every night, this is your playground. But be warned: the pace is fast, and the competition is fierce.

Kennewick is the definition of a "slow burn." Located in Eastern Washington's semi-arid desert, it’s part of the Tri-Cities (with Pasco and Richland), known for its agricultural roots, nuclear history (Hanford Site), and booming wine industry. The vibe here is family-friendly, community-focused, and unpretentious. Life revolves around outdoor activities—hiking, fishing, biking—and a burgeoning craft beer and wine scene. It’s for those who want a tight-knit community, a slower pace, and easy access to nature without the chaos of a major metropolis.

Who’s it for?

• LA: The ambitious professional, the artist, the foodie, the extrovert who wants endless variety.
• Kennewick: The family seeking space and safety, the remote worker craving affordability, the outdoor enthusiast who loves sun and seasons.

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2. The Dollar Power: Where Your Paycheck Goes Farther

This is where the reality check hits hard. The sticker shock in Los Angeles is real, but Kennewick offers incredible bang for your buck. Let’s look at the cold, hard numbers.

Cost of Living Table

Category	Los Angeles	Kennewick	Winner
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$415,000	Kennewick
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,206	Kennewick
Housing Index	173.0 (73% above national avg)	83.2 (17% below national avg)	Kennewick
Median Income	$79,701	$65,796	LA (but...)

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
At first glance, LA’s median income is $13,905 higher than Kennewick’s. But that money evaporates in LA. Here’s the math:

If you earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, after California’s high state income tax (which can range from 9.3% to 13.3% for that bracket), your take-home pay is roughly $70,000 - $72,000. In Washington, which has no state income tax, that same $100,000 salary leaves you with about $80,000 in your pocket.

Now, factor in housing. A $2,006 rent payment in LA consumes about 33% of your pre-tax monthly income at the median salary. In Kennewick, that $1,206 rent is only 22% of the median monthly income. The result? In Kennewick, your money goes significantly further. You can afford a larger home, save more, and live comfortably on a salary that would feel tight in LA.

Insight: While LA offers higher nominal salaries, Kennewick offers superior purchasing power. For a remote worker earning an LA salary while living in Kennewick, the financial advantage is monumental.

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3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Pressure

Los Angeles: The Seller’s Fortress

• Buy: The market is brutally competitive. With a median home price over $1 million, you’re looking at a $200,000+ down payment for a modest property. It’s a seller’s market where bidding wars are common, and cash offers often win. For most, buying here is a long-term, high-stakes investment.
• Rent: The rental market is equally fierce. High demand and limited supply keep prices steep. Finding a quality 1BR under $1,800 is a challenge, and competition is high.

Kennewick: The Buyer’s Opportunity

• Buy: This is a buyer-friendly market. With a median home price of $415,000, the entry point is dramatically lower. You can secure a 3-bedroom home for the price of a studio condo in LA. Inventory is better, and while prices are rising (it’s a popular relocation spot), you’re not fighting 20 other offers.
• Rent: Rent is affordable and stable. The rental market is less volatile, and you get more space for your money. It’s a great place to rent while you save for a down payment.

Verdict: For aspiring homeowners, Kennewick is in a different league. LA’s housing market is for those with deep pockets or established wealth.

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4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Los Angeles: Legendary. The 405, the 10, the 110—these are parking lots during rush hour. The average commute is long, stressful, and expensive (gas, car maintenance). Traffic can easily add 1-2 hours to your daily routine.
• Kennewick: Minimal. You can cross town in 15-20 minutes. Traffic jams are rare, and commutes are short and predictable. The stress level here is a fraction of LA’s.

Weather

• Los Angeles: 54°F average is misleading. It’s a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. You get sunshine year-round, but 90°F+ days are common in summer. The "perfect" weather is a major draw, but drought and wildfire risk are real concerns.
• Kennewick: 36°F average indicates distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry (often hitting 90°F+), perfect for outdoor activities. Winters are cold and can bring snow (though less than Seattle). It’s a dry heat, which many find more comfortable than humid summers elsewhere.

Crime & Safety

• Los Angeles: Violent Crime: 732.5 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. While specific neighborhoods vary wildly (some are very safe, others less so), the city-wide statistic is a serious consideration for families and individuals concerned about safety.
• Kennewick: Violent Crime: 372.1 per 100k. This is notably lower than LA and closer to, though still slightly above, the national average. The community-oriented nature of Kennewick contributes to a generally safer feeling environment.

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5. The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the final breakdown.

• Winner for Families: Kennewick. The combination of safer neighborhoods (372.1 vs 732.5 violent crime rate), affordable housing (median home price $415k vs $1M), excellent schools (the Tri-Cities area is known for good public education), and a slower, community-focused pace makes it an ideal environment for raising kids.
• Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles. If your career is in entertainment, tech, fashion, or any industry that thrives on networking and scale, LA is unmatched. The $79,701 median income potential and the sheer volume of opportunities, social scenes, and cultural experiences make it the place to be if you’re building a name for yourself.
• Winner for Retirees: Kennewick. For retirees on a fixed income, the math is undeniable. No state income tax, a lower cost of living, and affordable housing mean retirement savings stretch much further. The sunny, dry climate is easier on joints than the damp chill of coastal Washington, and the safe, quiet community is perfect for a relaxed retirement.

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Final Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• Unmatched Career Opportunities: A global hub for countless industries.
• World-Class Culture: Endless dining, museums, events, and entertainment.
• Diverse Communities: You can find any culture, cuisine, or subculture here.
• Iconic Weather: Sunny and mild most of the year.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost of Living: Housing, taxes, and daily expenses are among the highest in the nation.
• Brutal Traffic: Commutes can be soul-crushing.
• High Crime Rate: Statistically, it’s a less safe city.
• Competitive & Stressful: The "rat race" is very real.

Kennewick

Pros:

• Excellent Affordability: Housing is over 50% cheaper than LA.
• High Purchasing Power: No state income tax and lower costs mean your money goes far.
• Safe & Family-Friendly: Lower crime rates and a strong community feel.
• Outdoor Lifestyle: Easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, and wine country.

Cons:

• Limited Career Options: Fewer major employers and industries outside of agriculture, nuclear, and healthcare.
• Cultural Scene is Small: You won’t find Broadway shows or major league sports here.
• Isolated Location: It’s a 3+ hour drive to Seattle or Portland.
• Hot, Dry Summers: While dry, temperatures can regularly exceed 90°F.

The Bottom Line:
If you’re chasing a career that demands scale, diversity, and non-stop energy, Los Angeles is your city. Just be prepared for the financial and logistical grind.

If you’re prioritizing affordability, safety, space, and a slower pace of life—especially if you have a family or work remotely—Kennewick offers a compelling, financially smart alternative. It’s a place where your paycheck actually translates into a better quality of life.