When you move to L.A., a few things may surprise you: The golden light! That horrible traffic! The incredible weather! Oh, and … everything seems more expensive than where you’re from. It’s not your imagination: The cost of living in L.A. is 51% higher than the national average. Yikes! That said, L.A. living on a budget IS possible, if you’re diligent and willing to take the time to learn how. In this guide, we’ll give you some of our best tips for how to save money in Los Angeles as well as share with you some of our favorite (and cheapest) places to live in L.A.
Cost of living in Los Angeles
So how much does it cost to live in L.A.? That depends on your preferences. However, you’ll certainly find that living in L.A. is more expensive than living in most other U.S. cities (barring perhaps a couple of the biggies, like New York or San Francisco), with much of that difference attributed to housing and entertainment costs (housing is a whopping 132% higher than the national average!). But while costs are higher overall, they vary widely, depending on where you choose to live, how you get around, and your lifestyle. Here are some key cost trends, plus a great tool to help you estimate your living expenses in L.A.:
What to Expect
If you’re moving from a smaller city, you can expect that, in addition to housing, the price of most things — from gas to movie tickets to healthcare — will be more than you’re used to. Even compared to the state’s averages, Los Angeles is 7% more expensive.
The Cost of Renting
We get it: purchasing a house in L.A. may not be top of mind. After all, the average home value in Los Angeles is $890,194, according to Zillow. It’s totally cool to join the other 63% of households in the area and rent instead. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Los Angeles is $2,786 per month (average apartment size is 789 square feet). Rent averages vary greatly by neighborhood, with some areas going for around $1,500 per month, and more desirable beachfront locales renting at more than $4,500 per month!
Transportation Costs
In Los Angeles, the costs of car ownership can feel unavoidable. With gas prices high, more than $4.50 a gallon in January 2023, that means you’ll also be shelling out more for that daily drive.
Entertainment Costs
A movie ticket can cost you upward of $30, depending on the theater and screening type, and a cocktail will likely run you at least $10 or $15.
Compare the cost of living in Los Angeles with your current city:
To compare specific costs to where you live now, check out NerdWallet’s Cost of Living Calculator.
Saving money in Los Angeles
Okay, now that we’ve gotten the nasty numbers out of the way, let’s move on to the good stuff. Here are some ways to save a little moolah while you’re living it up in LaLa Land.
Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely
The most critical factor in your budget in Los Angeles is going to be your cost of housing. Right off the bat, you can save a lot of cash by choosing to live in a neighborhood that’s less expensive (see our list of more affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles below). You don’t have to live out in the middle of nowhere if you want to save money — you just need to find a ‘hood that’s still up and coming, as opposed to one that’s already arrived as a trendy hotspot or an exclusive beach community.
Consider Roommates
Next to choosing an affordable neighborhood, opting to live with a roommate or two is one of the best things you can do for your budget in L.A. While living alone may be your preference, imagine what you could save (or what else you could do with your money) if you were able to split your housing costs in half or even by a third! Cost per room goes down the more rooms you add to an apartment, meaning you’ll quickly save cash by sharing a place along with splitting rent and utility costs with some roomies.
Save on Moving Costs
Whether you’re moving locally, long-distance, or from another city in California, you can save a bundle on moving expenses when you know your options. The three main methods of moving are with a full-service moving company (most expensive), DIY with a rental truck (most labor-intensive), or with a PODS portable moving container (most flexible). You can compare moving with PODS to traditional moving companies or rental trucks to see which option is best for your move.
Rethink the Gym
In a place like L.A., where you might be hitting the beach more often than usual, maintaining your physique might be on your mind more than usual. But that doesn’t mean you need to shell out for a pricey boutique gym membership! Aside from the beach, with its lovely running trails and swimming options, L.A. is surrounded by mountainous parks and wilderness that feature hiking trails and other free ways to stay in great shape. Why stay inside to work out when you could take a hike in Laurel Canyon? The view is infinitely better and your wallet will thank you.
Get Smart About Your Transportation Costs
That means doing the math on whether it makes more sense to take public transit or drive for your commute by factoring in costs for car ownership, insurance, and gas. While Los Angeles public transit is not exactly universally beloved by residents, if you live in a well-connected neighborhood (or at least one that’s accessible via transit to your place of work), the bus or train might be the most cost-effective option. Though you may pay with your time spent in transit, you can use it to catch up with your friends, read, or work. Consider, however, that sometimes transit simply won’t be worth the extra hassle compared to commuting, particularly if you live in an area where it would require several transfers to get to work. Live really close to your job? Try biking, which will double as exercise time!
Search for Affordable Entertainment Options
One of the great things about L.A. is that there are free things to do all around you. Go to the beach! Take a hike! Simply walk around the farmer’s market and listen to bands play. There’s also a full calendar of free or low-cost festivals and events happening around the city for you to enjoy. Watch for discount nights at movie theaters, free movies in the park, or specials at comedy clubs. And if you like to go out with friends, choose a restaurant with a happy hour, so you can save a few bucks on a cocktail or food order.
Be a Wise Grocery Shopper
All grocery stores are not created equal! Take the time over your first few weeks in L.A. to get the lay of the land in the grocery aisles at various stores near you. Trader Joe’s and Aldi are well known for their affordable prices and healthy options. Figuring out who has the best deals on produce, meat, dry goods, and dairy can save you big time in the long run. The number one thing to avoid? Convenience. Don’t just buy everything at the nearest upscale grocer just because it’s convenient.
Use your Skills and Be Willing to Accept Small Odd Jobs
When you’re new to the city, it can be a real struggle to make ends meet. If you’re in a place where you could use extra income to pay your expenses, consider using apps like TaskRabbit, Fiverr, or GigWalk to find odd jobs or tasks you can do in your city or even from home. While it may only mean a little bit at a time, lots of little jobs can lead to big results! You can also consider offering your skills (handyman work, graphic design, copyediting, etc.) on social media and asking if anyone in your network knows someone who could use help.
Cheapest places to live in Los Angeles
Looking for a cheap apartment in Los Angeles? Finding a neighborhood that fits your budget is an essential part of finding the right place for you. Haven’t started apartment shopping around specific areas yet? Check out our Los Angeles neighborhood guide and our list of cheapest places to live in L.A. below. Remember, it’s all relative! And if your heart is set on a pricier place, prepare to find some roommates.
Northeast L.A.
- Median sale price: $1,075,000
- Average rent: $2,153
NELA features a number of neighborhoods that have easy access to the rest of the city but boast lower rents than much of West L.A. (the closer you get to the beach, the more you’ll be paying). Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, and Highland Park have average rents around $2,000 per month ($2,083, $2,075, and $1,926, respectively) and offer great parks and things to do. In fact, these neighborhoods are worth checking out, whether or not you need to save money.
Echo Park
- Average home value: $1,049,632
- Average rent: $2,510
Located very near Downtown L.A., Echo Park has the benefit of still being up and coming (as in, hasn’t yet gone and went to skyrocketed rents). With a beautiful park and lake anchoring the neighborhood, it is still possible to find a 1-bedroom for around $1,500 (a deal in this part of Los Angeles) — though average rent in Echo Park is $2,510.
Parts of the San Fernando Valley
- Median sold price: $921,964
- Average rent: Varies
We know what you’re thinking. “Really? Is the Valley cheaper than L.A.?” Sure, the Valley features some of the area’s most expensive and exclusive areas — like Hidden Hills and Calabasas (both home to many celebrities) — but it also contains many smaller and more affordable towns, like Panorama City (where average monthly rent is $1,790). This area is definitely worth exploring to help find an affordable apartment in Los Angeles.
Q: Where is the cheapest rent in Los Angeles?
A: If you’re strictly looking at numbers, RentCafe lists Winnetka, Vermont Knolls, and Vermont Vista as places with average monthly rent below $1,700. It’s important to research a neighborhood and ensure it’s the right fit for you before signing on the dotted line, though. At the end of the day, you want to be in an affordable rental in an area that you’re proud to call home.
Living in L.A. on a budget is possible!
Will it take a little extra time and effort? Yes. But choosing your neighborhood wisely, being frugal with your entertainment choices, and living with roommates can all help you keep your bank account in check while you live in Los Angeles.
Looking for more advice on moving to L.A.? Check out our guide to finding an apartment in Los Angeles and other helpful tips on the PODS Blog to help get you started.
Leslie Baker is a freelance writer and editor based in Denver, Colorado. Her passion is perfecting the art of truly making a house a home.
FAQs
Can you live in LA on a budget? ›
Living in L.A. on a budget is possible!
But choosing your neighborhood wisely, being frugal with your entertainment choices, and living with roommates can all help you keep your bank account in check while you live in Los Angeles.
- Central Alameda.
- South Park.
- Pico-Union.
- Pico Rivera.
- Boyle Heights.
- Lakeview Terrace.
- North Valley.
- Chinatown.
According to the study, a Los Angeles resident without children would need to make $76,710 after taxes to live comfortably. The study is based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which uses the cost of housing, food, transportation, medical care and more.
Where are the low income areas in Los Angeles? ›As evidenced by the map, high levels of poverty are pervasive in South Los Angeles and are also found in portions of the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Boyle Heights, Northeast Los Angeles, and areas surrounding the Port of Los Angeles.
What parts of LA are good to live in? ›- Culver City.
- Silver Lake. ...
- Echo Park. ...
- Santa Monica. ...
- Los Feliz. ...
- Downtown LA. ...
- Beverlywood & Cheviot Hills. Perfect for those wanting to be near Beverly Hills without paying the high price tag. ...
- Playa del Rey & Playa Vista. Perfect for young professionals and students that want a small beach town-feel in Los Angeles. ...
- Use L.A. as much as L.A. uses you.
- Be choosy about your groceries. ...
- Work for free... for a bit. ...
- Network, network, network. ...
- Ship your belongings. ...
- Bring your old clothes and furniture. ...
- Move to East Hollywood. ...
- Seriously, consider public transit. ...
While the short answer is yes, you can move to Los Angeles without a job, it's essential to come prepared and have a plan in place. Los Angeles is a highly competitive job market, and finding employment can take time. It's crucial to have a solid financial plan and be willing to hustle to secure work.
How much money do I need before moving to LA? ›Moving costs: $2,000. First apartment costs: $10,000. Startup costs: $4,000. Emergency costs: $4,000.
What is California most cheapest city? ›- Eureka.
- Stockton.
- Clovis.
- Sacramento.
- Vallejo.
- Redlands.
- Murrieta.
- Vacaville.
In its report, Niche also ranked the cheapest places to live in the U.S. At the top of the list this year is Brownsville, Texas. Brownsville has been steadily rising in Niche's Lowest Cost of Living ranking over the past few years, placing number six in 2021, number three in 2022 and finally, number one in 2023.
What is the least expensive part of California to live in? ›
Known as the “Gateway to the Sierras,” Clovis is one of the least expensive places to live in California! Part of the Fresno metro, this central California city is comfortably sized, full of young families, and just a little over an hour away from Yosemite National Park.
How much does a single person need to live comfortably in Los Angeles? ›The data used in the study analyzed the cost of living in each city as of 2022. For California cities like Los Angeles, Berkeley and San Diego, a single person must make more than $76,000 to “live comfortably,” the data shows.
What is the minimum wage in Los Angeles 2023? ›| Year | For employers with 26 or more employees | For employers with 25 or fewer employees |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $15.00 | $14.25 |
| 2021 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| 2022 | $15.96 | $15.96 |
| 2023 | $16.90 | $16.90 |
$14.59 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. $29.42 is the 75th percentile.
Where do most of the homeless live in Los Angeles? ›Skid Row is a neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles. The area is officially known as Central City East. Skid Row contains one of the largest stable populations (about 9,200–15,000) of homeless people in the United States and has been known for its condensed homeless population since at least the 1930s.
Does Los Angeles accept affordable housing? ›LAHD offers the ability to search and apply online for accessible housing. In addition, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles, is offered an online affordable housing listing service. These free services provide lists and information about affordable and accessible residential rental properties.
What salary is considered poor in Los Angeles? ›| Family Size (Persons in Family/Household) | Annual Family Income | |
|---|---|---|
| HUD Low Income Level 1 | HUD Extremely Low Income Level 3 | |
| 1 | $70,650 | $26,500 |
| 2 | $80,750 | $30,300 |
| 3 | $90,850 | $34,100 |
The most popular and safe places for tourists include West Hollywood, Silverlake, and Santa Monica. These three cities are favorite spots for anyone looking to check out the Los Angeles scene and some of the best areas to look for a place to stay.
What side of LA is expensive? ›1. Bel-Air. The richest neighborhood in Los Angeles is Bel-Air. Making its claim to fame on the popular series The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, this neighborhood is located directly across from Sunset Boulevard and is considered one of the most exclusive residential areas in Los Angeles.
What months are best to live in LA? ›Move to LA During Your Favorite Season
For great weather, a little rain, and the fewest crowds (except around Spring Break), choose the spring months of March and April. For the warmest ocean water (68 degrees Fahrenheit on average), plan to move to LA during late summer — August and early September.
How do I choose where to live in LA? ›
- First, know LA's regions. ...
- Second, know the neighborhoods. ...
- It's important—for both your sanity and the health of the environment—to pick a 'hood that's close to where you work. ...
- Do you want to be near public transit? ...
- Do you want to live near the beach or trails?
So, do you need a car in Los Angeles? I'll let you in on a secret: despite its size, you can still get around LA without a car. The Metro system gets a bad rap, but it's a robust web of trains, buses, and bikes that serves over 227 million people annually.
How much does it cost to live in LA with rent? ›Housing is the most significant expense for most American households. The cost of living in a certain city takes into account both the price of rent and the price of a home. The average monthly rent in Los Angeles is $2,781, while home prices circle around $1,098,874. Thinking of moving?
Can you live in LA by yourself? ›Living in a modern metropolis like LA is a dream coming true for many people. However, if you're moving to Los Angeles alone, it can be a bit more stressful because you'll face all the new situations on your own. But with a good organization and welcoming environment, there's nothing to worry about.
How do I move to LA on my own? ›- Find someone to share a flat with. ...
- Make up a moving expenses checklist. ...
- Save some money for a start. ...
- Start looking for a job several weeks prior to relocation. ...
- Use your free time for earning more. ...
- Minimize the lifestyle you had. ...
- Buy only essentials.
- Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Find a Job. ...
- Think Local (and Remote) for Job Opportunities. ...
- Sign Up for Job Alerts. ...
- Be Available to Interview. ...
- Don't Count on a Relocation Package. ...
- Get a Local Address at the New City. ...
- Tap Your Connections. ...
- Take Your Job With You.
There are many reasons why people from around the world decide to move to Los Angeles. They range from chasing a dream job in entertainment or tech or have a fresh start in a different city with a temperate climate.
How much should I have saved before moving to California? ›It's easy to see why someone would want to live in California; just know you should have at least six months of expenses saved up when making the move. You'll need to have money saved when moving to California or at least a decent-paying job lined up since it's one of the most expensive states to live in.
Is Los Angeles worth living in? ›In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city that offers a warm and sunny climate, a diverse job market, a rich cultural scene, beautiful beaches, a thriving food scene, and unparalleled shopping and entertainment opportunities.
Is California or Texas cheaper? ›Cost of Living in California vs. Texas. In Texas, you can get a lot more bang for your buck. A MyMove study evaluating the cost of living in the United States in 2022 shows that California has a cost index of 151.7, while Texas has a cost index of only 91.5.
Is California or Florida cheaper? ›
For starters, the cost of living is drastically cheaper in Florida. California ranks as the second most expensive place to live in the country so those who move from California will find real estate prices much more affordable in Florida. Not only is Florida more affordable, but there are more jobs to be had.
How to live in California for cheap? ›- Start with lower rent prices, scour the market for the best affordable cities to live in California.
- Trim the fat: cut out excessive expenses like eating out, coffee runs, memberships you don't use, and absolutely unnecessary expenses like Postmates.
Topping the 2023-24 list: Green Bay, Wisconsin. The magazine called Green Bay "The perfect mix of big-city amenities complemented with a Midwestern, small-town feel."
What state is the cheapest to make a living? ›- Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
- Kansas. ...
- Alabama. ...
- Oklahoma. ...
- Georgia. ...
- Tennessee. ...
- Missouri. ...
- Iowa.
- Eliminate monthly subscriptions.
- Shop for new insurance.
- Reduce prescription costs.
- Buy used items.
- Rent, don't own.
- Purchase at the right time.
- Buy high-quality products.
- Enlist your friends.
- Tulsa, Oklahoma. ...
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. ...
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota. ...
- Chattanooga, Tennessee. ...
- Sherman, Texas. Cost of living for retirees: 13.0% below U.S. average. ...
- St. George, Utah. ...
- Roanoke, Virginia. Cost of living for retirees: 8.7% below U.S. average. ...
- Spokane, Washington.
This is due to the city's proximity to large agricultural areas and its relatively inexpensive housing. The city's median home price is $362,600, which is way lesser than California's median home price of $600,000.
What is the cheapest state in California? ›Bakersfield is arguably the cheapest city to live in California, with many neighborhoods having available housing stock under $200,000.
How much is minimum wage in California? ›The minimum wage in California is currently $15.50/hour for all employers. Some cities and counties have higher minimum wages than the state's rate. There is a list of City and County minimum wages in California maintained by UC Berkeley.
What is the average single salary in Los Angeles? ›This is equivalent of $1,301 a week or $5,639 a month. Most salaries in Los Angeles range between $50,292 (25th percentile) to $83,682 (75th percentile) annually. Of course, salaries will vary depending on your occupation, experience, and many other factors.
Can you live with 30K a year in LA? ›
You can absolutely live in California on $30K even in LA and Anaheim (if single) but there are a few caveats. You need someone to provide you a place to stay, rent free. Then it is pretty easy to get by, you can even have a car, but you probably won't be saving any money.
How much does a McDonald's worker make in California? ›Average McDonald's hourly pay ranges from approximately $10.42 per hour for Lead Cashier to $29.13 per hour for Repair Technician. The average McDonald's salary ranges from approximately $15,000 per year for Team Trainer to $125,788 per year for Human Resources Specialist.
What is ca restaurant minimum wage 2023? ›The story of California's minimum wage laws is often told as a story of progress. As of January 1, 2023, the state holds the third highest minimum wage in the country. All employees, including tipped workers whom most states exclude, make $15.50 per hour here.
What is Santa Monica minimum wage? ›Santa Monica, California Local Minimum Wage for 2022, 2023
A minimum wage increase is currently scheduled in Santa Monica, but until the effective date of the state minimum wage rate of $15.50 will apply.
California ranks number 23 out of 50 states nationwide for $20 An Hour job salaries.
Is $30 an hour good in California? ›California ranks number 34 out of 50 states nationwide for 30$ An Hour job salaries. To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for 30$ An Hour jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.
What is considered middle class in California? ›"Middle class" is defined by the PRC as those earning between two-thirds and twice the median American household income, which in 2021 was $70,784, according to the United States Census Bureau. That means American households earning between $47,189 to $141,568 are in the "middle class" as defined by the PRC.
Is 150k enough to live in Los Angeles? ›You'll need to earn well over $100,000 to live comfortably. You'll need a staggering six-figure income to live comfortably in Los Angeles: at least $136,207 if you're paying rent or $150,391 if you own a house.
What time of year is cheapest to move to LA? ›When is the best time to move to LA? According to RentHop, the best time to move to LA is September through December. On average, you'll see a 4% decrease from peak rental prices. This difference amounts to savings of $85 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and $103 per month for a two-bedroom.
What percent of LA is low income? ›| Population | |
|---|---|
| Income & Poverty | |
| Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $69,778 |
| Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 | $39,378 |
| Persons in poverty, percent | 16.6% |
What is considered middle class in Los Angeles? ›
In Fremont, the median household income is $155,968, and a middle-class income ranges from $104,499 to $311,936. Los Angeles ranks 37th among large cities for middle-class income, with a range from $47,149 to $140,744. The median income was $70,372.
What salary do you need to buy a house in Los Angeles? ›According to the Redfin study, the income needed to buy a median-priced home in L.A. has soared by 40.7% in one year. In 2021, anyone looking to buy a home in the city of Angels needed to make $157,000 a year. However, now, that same person would need to make $64,000 more, or $221,000, to buy a median-priced home.
What to consider before moving to LA? ›- The Traffic Struggle is Real. Yes, the traffic is as bad as you've heard. ...
- The Freeways Have Names. ...
- You Might Become a Taco Snob. ...
- Time Works Differently in LA. ...
- Yes, the Weather is That Good. ...
- LA Hipsters Stick Together. ...
- Dinner Parties are a Thing. ...
- Get Ready for Smog.
According to data from real estate firm RealPage, average asking rent for a vacant L.A. County apartment during the first quarter of 2022 was up 17% from the same period a year earlier. But by the first three months of this year, rent growth had slowed, with prices rising 6% from 2022 levels.
Is it worth it to live in LA? ›In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city that offers a warm and sunny climate, a diverse job market, a rich cultural scene, beautiful beaches, a thriving food scene, and unparalleled shopping and entertainment opportunities. However, it also faces challenges such as heavy traffic and a high cost of living.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles for a single person? ›A family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,305.4$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,196.2$ without rent. Los Angeles is 17.9% less expensive than New York (without rent). Rent in Los Angeles is, on average, 28.4% lower than in New York.
How much does it cost to live in Los Angeles as a single person? ›The average cost of living in Los Angeles is $3,886 per month. Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the United States with many nicknames such as The City of Angels, L.A., and La La Land. Thousands of new residents are moving to L.A. for a better lifestyle, however, it is no secret that Los Angeles is expensive.
How much do you spend monthly living in Los Angeles? ›| Food | Update prices |
|---|---|
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $1.78 |
| Housing | Update prices |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $3,937 |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $2,890 |