The latest data from Zillow’s April 2026 Market Report shows Los Angeles remains one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, even as the broader spring sales recovery stalls. Here’s what the numbers mean if you’re buying, selling, or renting in L.A. right now.
Los Angeles home values
The typical Los Angeles home is worth $964,097 — nearly three times the national average of $366,712. Values ticked up 0.6% month over month, and are down a slight 0.1% compared to a year ago. That year-over-year dip is a subtle signal that LA’s price appreciation has cooled, even while cities like Chicago (+4.4%) and New York (+3.9%) are seeing stronger gains. For buyers, that marginal softening — even if small — is meaningful in a market where prices are this high.
According to Zillow’s new data, the biggest takeaway for L.A.’s house market is the boost in available homes. Across the country, high mortgage rates have kept some buyers on the sidelines, allowing inventory to build up.
- LA Sales Count: Down 0.5% year-over-year.
- LA Active Inventory: Up 4.0% year-over-year.
What about renters?
Los Angeles remains a heavily renter-dominated city, and the rental market is continuing its upward climb, though at a slower pace than the national average.
- Typical LA Rent: $2,892
- Year-Over-Year Rent Change: +1.2% (Compared to the national average of +1.9%)
- Month-Over-Month Rent Change: +0.4%
Prices nationwide: who is up and who is down?
Compared to this time last year, home prices are dropping in Texas and California, but climbing in the Midwest and East Coast.
- National Average: Prices are up 0.7% (Typical home: $366,712)
- Chicago, IL: Prices are up 4.4% (Typical home: $348,929)
- New York, NY: Prices are up 3.9% (Typical home: $717,750)
- Los Angeles, CA: Prices are down 0.1% (Typical home: $964,097)
- San Francisco, CA: Prices are down 0.9% (Typical home: $1,139,310)
- Washington, DC: Prices are down 0.7% (Typical home: $579,216)
- Houston, TX: Prices are down 2.0% (Typical home: $306,441)
- Dallas, TX: Prices are down 3.3% (Typical home: $363,727)
Los Angeles remains incredibly expensive, but the market is softening just a bit. Because prices are flat, sales are slightly down, and inventory is up 4%, LA buyers have slightly more breathing room and choices than they did a year ago.