Salary & Cost of Living in Torrance, CA
Torrance, CA: $78,000 median salary, cost of living index 155, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$78,000
$38/hr
Cost of Living
155
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Torrance, CA Overview
Population
144,216
Median Salary
$78,000
Average Salary
$86,000
Avg Commute
30 min
Median Home Price
$850,000
Median Rent
$2,400/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
10%
Torrance is located in California with a population of 144,216. The median household salary is $78,000 per year ($38/hour), which is $18,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Torrance Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Torrance, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$56,005
$4,667.08/month · $2,154.04/biweekly · Effective Rate: 28.2%
Gross Pay
$78,000
Federal Tax
-$8,774
State Tax
-$7,254
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,967
Net Pay
$56,005
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,500.00 | $78,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$731.17 | -$8,774.00 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$604.50 | -$7,254.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$403.00 | -$4,836.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$94.25 | -$1,131.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,667.08 | $56,005.00 |
Salary Comparison: Torrance vs Other Cities
See how Torrance's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torrance, CA | $78,000 | 155 | $50,323 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Pasadena, CA | $78,000 | 160 | $48,750 |
| Schaumburg, IL | $78,000 | 108 | $72,222 |
| Frederick, MD | $78,000 | 115 | $67,826 |
| Nashua, NH | $78,000 | 115 | $67,826 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Torrance
Torrance's cost of living index is 155 (national average = 100). Living in Torrance is 55% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$850,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,400
Annual Rent Cost
$28,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $56,005 annual take-home pay in Torrance has the purchasing power of approximately $36,132 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $120,900 in Torrance to match a $78,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Torrance
Torrance's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $78,000.
Salary Tips for Torrance Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Torrance has a cost of living 55% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 9.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Torrance's top industries include Aerospace, Technology, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $78,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Torrance, CA?
The median salary in Torrance, CA is $78,000 per year, or $38 per hour. The average salary is $86,000. This is $18,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Torrance, CA?
Torrance's cost of living index is 155 (national average = 100), meaning it is 55% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $850,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,400.
What are the best industries in Torrance?
The top industries in Torrance, CA include Aerospace, Technology, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $78,000.
How does Torrance's salary compare to other cities?
Torrance's median salary of $78,000 is 31.3% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 155), the real purchasing power is approximately $50,323.
What is the minimum wage in Torrance, CA?
The minimum wage in Torrance, CA is $16.50 per hour. This equals approximately $34,320 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.