Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $86,754 | $87,582▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.71 | $42.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,529 | $50,197▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,083 | $61,524▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,618▲ | $108,225 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,271 | $141,123▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,850▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $828 (0.95%). Santa Cruz's median is +8.94% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $91,742,Santa Cruz spans $90,926. 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, Santa Cruz ($79,695 effective) pays 4.33% more than Los Angeles ($76,391 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (9,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,582/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,123)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,695)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Los Angeles grew -29.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -25.1% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$118,250 (2021) → $83,034 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$111,940 (2021) → $83,827 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov