The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average, the monthly living expenses in Los Angeles is about $3,000 to $4,500, includes housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and other necessities. Despite its high cost of living, the city still has a large population. It is the second-most populous city in the United States, behind New York City. It is also Southern California’s commercial, financial, and cultural centre. Many people love the energy of the city. All the creative jobs and characters in this city. The high cost is mostly due to expensive housing, but it affects other areas of the city as well. You must admit that affording the cost of living in Los Angeles can be challenging, With prices constantly rising, people are more cautious about spending and budgeting. Now, let’s dive into the essential cost of living in Los Angeles, California.
Cost of Living in Los Angeles
According to statistics, the average income in Los Angeles is $75,831 ($6,319 monthly), and the average cost of living in Los Angeles for a single person is $3,277 per month. Wondering is it expensive to live in LA? This table helps you understand your daily living expenses in Los Angeles.
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost in Los Angeles (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $230 |
| Internet | $65 |
| Food & Groceries | $550 |
| Transportation | $300 |
| Health & Fitness | $270 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | $300 |
| Clothing & Personal Care | $150 |
| Total (Excluding Rent) | $1,865 |
| Total (Including Average Rent) | $3,965 |
Average Rent in Los Angeles
Like most major cities, the cost is driven primarily by housing. To helps you navigate the living expenses in Los Angeles, the table shown average rent in Los Angeles, CA.
| Type | Average rent in Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| Single Room | US$1,619.24/Month |
| Shared Room | US$876/month |
| Studio | US$1,859/month |
| 1B | US$2,300/month |
| 2B | US$3,150/month |
| 3B | US$3,500/month |
Ggenerally, the rent for an apartment is more expensive than shared house. Except for room types, the proximity to major commercial centres and famous sights also drives up housing prices. If you want to save cost of housing in Los Angeles, California, consider living in more affordable neighbourhoods, finding roommates to share living expenses, or exploring alternative housing options like co-living spaces. If you don’t know where to rent in LA, here are some best places to live in Los Angeles：
- Koreatown:
The average monthly rent in Koreatown, Los Angeles is $2,222. It offers terrific rent value while offering a hip and safe neighborhood. It is central to the city, with easy access to the train and major bus routes. If you will be working Downtown, this is the best neighborhood for you.
- North Hollywood
The average monthly rent in Northe Hollywood is $1,920. North Hollywood offers great value, but it’s not in the city center. Located at the end of the Red Line, getting around the valley can be a hassle without a car, especially compared to central LA. The nightlife here is vibrant, and if you work in Hollywood or the Valley, this is one of the best neighborhoods for you.
- Palms:
The average monthly rent in Plams, Los Angeles is $1,920. Plams is a sleepy and diverse neighbourhood just west of Culver City and adjacent to Venice. It is a bit boring compared to living in other communities. If you don’t mind, you can head to nearby Culver City, Santa Monica, or Venice/Abbot-Kinney for entertainment. It is within walking distance to the newly opened expo line giving you easy access to Downtown. If you are working in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, or Culver City, this is the best neighbourhood for you.
Browse uhomes.com, the rental platform that helps you find the perfect student housing in Los Angeles, matching your budget and lifestyle. Don’t worry about the cost of living—our options are affordable and fully furnished.
Cost of Groceries in Los Angeles
It isn’t surprising that rent makes up the largest part of your monthly budget, followed by groceries. Grocery prices at Los Angeles are generally higher than the national average, though local competition can help mitigate costs. Shoppers can find some of the most affordable groceries at stores like Trader Joe’s, while others like Whole Foods and Sprouts are on the pricier end. These chain supermarkets offer discounts on various kinds of goods every week. You can compare and buy them. They are definitely of good quality and low price, avoid eating out cook for yourself is also feasible. Here is a table of food price in markets.
| Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular),(1 liter) | 1.27$ |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread(500g) | 5.32$ |
| Rice(white),(1kg) | 5.99$ |
| Eggs (regular)(12) | 5.36$ |
| Local Cheese(1kg) | 13.93$ |
| Chicken Fillets(1kg) | 16.77$ |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 18.40$ |
| Apples(1kg) | 5.50$ |
| Banana(1kg) | 2.10$ |
| Oranges(1kg) | 3.30$ |
| Tomato(1kg) | 4.91$ |
| Potato(1kg) | 3.17$ |
| Onion(1kg) | 2.38$ |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 2.06$ |
| Water(1.5 liter bottle) | 2.22$ |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 15.00$ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 2.17$ |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.90$ |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 12.00$ |
Cost of Transportation in Los Angeles
Depending on how far and quickly you realistically need to commute, buy either a bicycle or a scooter. The bike is a surprisingly good method of transportation in Los Angeles, with many new bike lanes being built every day. The scooter will get you places faster for a higher upfront cost than a bike, but the maintenance, gas, and insurance payments are minuscule compared to a car. Gas, insurance, and car payments will eat up your income.
To reduce transportation costs, use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk. LA’s subway system has 101 stops, costs $1.75 per ride, and many workplaces subsidize this pass or even pay for it outright.
- Subway: The subway is the most popular and cost-effective way to travel around Los Angeles. A single ride on the subway costs $1.75, and you can transfer between subway lines for free with a MetroCard. If you plan to use the subway frequently, consider purchasing an Unlimited MetroCard:
Day Pass/1-Day Cap: $5
7-Day Unlimited: $18
30-Day Unlimited: Not Offered
- Bus: LA buses provide another convenient option for getting around the city. Like the subway, a single bus ride fareis $1.75. If you plan to use both buses and subways, you can transfer between them for free within two hours of your initial fare payment.
- Biking: Renting a bike or using a bike-sharing service is a great way to explore the city while getting some exercise:
Single ride: $1.75 for 30 minutes
Day pass: $5 to Start
30 Day pass: $17/month
Annual membership: $150 per year
- Walking: Exploring the city on foot is free and a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and enjoy the vibrant vibe of Los Angeles streets.
- Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and Via offer convenient door-to-door transportation options. Prices vary depending on distance, time of day, and demand. As a reference, a typical rideshare trip can range from $10 to $30.
Cost of Health Insurance in Los Angeles
Most people in California are required to have health coverage. California is one of four states, plus the District of Columbia, that penalizes residents for not having health insurance. This tax season, Californians are seeing health insurance penalties of up to $850 per adult and $425 per child.The average cost of health insurance in California is $600 per month in 2024.
LA Care has the lowest health insurance rates in California across all plan tiers. The company’s cheapest rates are between $282 and $411 per month, depending on the level of coverage. The most affordable Silver plan in CA is the LA Care Silver 70 HMO, which costs as little as $335 per month and is available in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Without health insurance in LA, it can cost around $200 if it’s your first time getting an eye exam and around $150 if you are a recurring patient. A routine check-up may range from $75 to $200 if you visit a dentist.
Cost of Entertainment in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is famous for its glamorous entertainment industry and stunning natural landscapes. While living expenses in California are higher, other costs are pretty low. There is Good year-round weather, lovely parks and hiking, and free cultural events and museums. Many people love living here, and it has mountain biking trails, hiking trails, beautiful Mammoth Mountain, and beaches. If you live in Los Angeles, you will love driving through Beverly Hills and the Larchmont area neighbourhoods, supersized by beautiful homes and apartment buildings. West Hollywood, Disney Land and Universal Studios are some of the most popular attractions in LA.
In La La Land, the average monthly fitness fee for an adult is $68. Other recreation expenses in Los Angeles include a cinema ticket, which costs about $18. If you want to relax at the weekend, there are many bars, from your neighbourhood dive bars to sports bars; one cocktail drink costs $18. If you want to live comfortably, we suggest you budget at least $150 – $200 monthly for entertainment.
Tips for Managing Cost of Living in LA
Don’t let cost of living in Los Angeles, California add to your anxiety any longer. Mastering the following core skills can save you a lot of money and time.
- Accommodation
- For students, housing is the largest fixed expense and must be given priority. Renting a house alone near schools like USC and UCLA is extremely expensive. Sharing an apartment or house with classmates or friends can immediately reduce the rent cost by 30% to 50%. uhomes.com offeres many affordable, utilities included student houisng in Los Angeles, CA. In this way, you can avoid complex bill management and your budget will be more stable. Browse uhomes.com to look for more cheap properties for students.
- Transportation
- Student can apply for a TAP card to take Metro buses and subways. Many schools offer term passes or subsidies. For routes with inconvenient public transportation, sharing an Uber or Lyft with classmates, choosing the Carpool option is far more cost-effective than owning your own car. If your activity range is mainly around the campus, walking and cycling is the healthiest and most economical way.
- Groceries
- After rent, food is your largest expense, you can save groceries expense by cooking for yourself. Trader Joe’s is a budget-friendly store ideal for singles or small families. Teaming up with a roommate for a Costco membership lets you buy bulk consumables like meat and detergent at rock-bottom prices. Don’t overlook local Asian and Hispanic supermarkets, either, they can be a goldmine for fresher, cheaper produce and meat.
- Student Benefits
- Always keep your student ID card in mind! Many museums (such as The Broad, LACMA), cinemas, and even some restaurants offer student discounts. Ask one more question before paying.
Conclusion
LA’s price tag is no joke. The living expenses in Los Angeles are undeniably high. But don’t let that scare you! Living here on a budget is entirely possible—it’s about spending wisely, not sparingly. The goal is to free up cash for the things that make your time here worthwhile. A major win is finding affordable housing with utilities included, and that’s exactly what uhomes.com offers for students. Find your ideal student housing, and enjoy every moment of your LA academic journey!
FAQ about Cost of Living in Los Angeles
1. How much is the cost of living in california for single person?
While your spending habits influence your budget. On average, the cost of living in California is $2,437 per month excluding tuition fees. The cost of housing in California will be $1,888 /month while the cost of food will come to around $108 /month and transportation will cost on average $159 /month.
2.Can someone with an average salary live comfortably in California?
Living comfortably on an average salary in California can be challenging due to the high cost of living in the state. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly higher than the national average. However, “comfortable living” can vary from person to person. It’s important to consider factors such as location within California, personal lifestyle choices, and budgeting.
3. What makes living in LA worth it to you?
This place has afforded many opportunities and friends you’d never possibly met. From the fabulous year-round weather to the thriving entertainment scene, diverse neighborhoods, job opportunities, and more, most L.A. residents would likely say yes.
4. Can I live in LA making 70k a year?
The median household salary in Los Angeles is about $55k per year. That’s enough to pay rent, buy food, and drive a used car.
At 55k, you probably aren’t going to be living in an awesome place, but you can live in some decent and safe areas for about $1500 per month. Even Hollywood has rent that low, but you also have Korea Town and plenty of places in the Valley.
At $70k, you can afford to live in slightly more expensive places, like downtown, Santa Monica, Westwood, and so on. The rents are getting above $2,000 per month in those areas.
If you’re thinking about studying in the US, it’s crucial to find the right student accommodation. That’s where uhomes comes in. It’s a reliable platform that helps students like you find the perfect place to live in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and many other cities. So far, they’ve helped more than 55,000 students successfully find their dream homes.
