The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average. The average cost of living in Los Angeles, California, is about $4250/month for a student, primarily consisting of rent, groceries, transportation, and other necessities. Los Angeles, as the second-most populous city in the US, is also Southern California’s commercial, financial, and cultural center. Many people love the energy of the city, but affording the average living cost in Los Angeles, California can be challenging, especially for students. With prices constantly rising, people are more cautious about spending and budgeting. So, let’s now dive into the cost of living in Los Angeles, California, to help you better understand and manage your expenditure.
Cost of Living in Los Angeles: A Quick Overview
According to the latest statistics, the average income in Los Angeles is $92,000/year ($7,666/month) before tax, and the cost of living in Los Angeles for one person fluctuates between $3,437 and $4,400 per month, which results in an annual cost of living in Los Angeles $41,244-52,800. Wondering if it’s expensive to live in LA as a student? Before diving into the details, here is a summary of the monthly cost of living in Los Angeles for a student. This quick overview is designed to help you see the big picture at a glance.
| Category | Approximate Monthly Cost in Los Angeles (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent | $2,500 |
| Food & Groceries | $550 |
| Transportation | $150 |
| Health & Fitness | $400 |
| Entertainment | $270 |
| Clothing | $150 |
| Sundries | $230 |
| Total | $4,250 |
Cost of Living and Housing in California and Los Angeles
The living expenses in Los Angeles and California are driven primarily by housing. As a major hub within California, the cost of housing and renting in Los Angeles consistently ranks among the highest. First, let’s have a look at the average price of housing and renting in California to have a basic understanding.
Housing and Renting Price in California
| City | Average Home Value | Average Monthly Mortgage Payment | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,348,000 | $7,382 | $2,500 |
| San Diego | $1,003,000 | $5,500 | $2,200 |
| San Francisco | $1,262,000 | $6,806 | $2,400 |
| Fresno | $379,920 | $2,346 | $1,600 |
Cost of Living in LA: Housing & Renting
If you want to purchase a property in Los Angeles, the average listing price is about $1,348,000, which is 153.3% higher than the national average. This is a heavy financial burden for most people.
Otherwise, renting an accommodation in Los Angeles seems more realistic and affordable. The table below shows the average rent in Los Angeles, CA.
Generally, the rent of an apartment is more expensive than a 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 North 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 $1,920. Plams is a sleepy and diverse neighbourhood just west of Culver City and adjacent to Venice. It is a bit boring compared to living in other communities. If you don’t mind, you can head to nearby Culver City, Santa Monica, or Venice/Abbot-Kinney for entertainment. It is within walking distance to the newly opened Expo Line, giving you easy access to Downtown. If you are working in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, or Culver City, this is the best neighbourhood for you.
Browse uhomes.com, the rental platform that helps you find the perfect student housing in Los Angeles, matching your budget and lifestyle. Don’t worry about the cost of living—our options are affordable and fully furnished.
Cost of Living in California Los Angeles: Groceries
It isn’t surprising that food and groceries make up the second-largest part of your cost of living in LA. Grocery prices in Los Angeles are generally higher than the national average, though local competition can help mitigate costs. Shoppers can find some of the most affordable groceries at stores like Trader Joe’s, while others like Whole Foods and Sprouts are on the pricier end. These chain supermarkets offer discounts on various kinds of goods every week. You can compare and buy them. They are definitely of good quality and low price. Avoid eating out, and cooking for yourself is also feasible. Here is a table of food prices in markets.
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular) (1 liter) | 1.27$ |
| 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$ |
Price of Living in LA: Transportation
How much does it cost to live in LA regarding transportation? It depends on how far and quickly you realistically need to commute.
To reduce transportation costs, consider using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking. LA’s subway system has 101 stops, typically costs $1.75 per ride, and many workplaces subsidize this pass or even pay for it outright.
1. 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
2. Bus
LA buses provide another convenient option for getting around the city. Like the subway, a single bus ride fare is $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.
3. Biking
Renting a bike or using a bike-sharing service is a great way to explore the city while getting some exercise. Many new bike lanes are being built every day. Meanwhile, some students choose to buy a scooter, which is 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. Here’s a price tip for biking service:
- Single ride: $1.75 for 30 minutes
- Day pass: $5 to start
- 30 Day pass: $17/month
- Annual membership: $150 per year
4. Ride share
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 Living in LA: Health Insurance
The average living cost in Los Angeles, California, should include health expenditure as well. Most people in California are required to have health insurance because California is one of four states that penalize residents for not having it. 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 expected to be $728 per month in 2026.
However, LA Care has the lowest health insurance rates in California across all plan tiers. The 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 Living in Los Angeles, California: Entertainment
Los Angeles is famous for its glamorous entertainment industry and stunning natural landscapes. While the cost of living in California Los Angeles is higher, there is pleasant 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 is $68 for an adult. 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 – $300 monthly for entertainment.
Manage The Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA
Don’t let the average cost of living in Los Angeles, CA, add to your anxiety any longer. Mastering the following core skills can save you a lot of price of living in LA and time.
- Accommodation: 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, while sharing an apartment or house with others can immediately reduce the rent cost by 30% to 50%. uhomes.com offers many affordable, bills-included student housing in Los Angeles. In this way, you can avoid complex bill management, and your budget will be more stable. Browse uhomes.com to find more affordable properties for students.
- Groceries: After rent, food is your largest expense; you can save on grocery expenses 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.
- Transportation: Students 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 are the healthiest and most economical ways.
- 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.
Cost of Living in Los Angeles: 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!
FAQs about Cost of Living in Los Angeles
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 is around $2,500 /month, while the cost of food will come to around $108 /month, and transportation will cost on average $159 /month.
Can someone with an average salary live comfortably in California?
Probably not, 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.
How much does entertainment cost in California?
Entertainment costs in California vary widely. On average, residents spend about $3,290 annually on entertainment services. Specific activity costs range from expensive theme park tickets (e.g., Disneyland from $104, Six Flags around $92) to more affordable local options like theater shows from $10 or cinema tickets for $12-$20. Additional costs for parking, food, and upgrades add to expenses.
How much money is needed to live in Los Angeles?
Living in Los Angeles is expensive, with housing being the highest cost. A single person can expect average monthly expenses of $3,437-$4,400.
What is a middle class salary in LA?
In Los Angeles, a middle-class salary is typically defined as two-thirds to double the local median household income, which was about $80,366. This creates a general range of approximately $53,134 to $159,402 annually. However, the specific threshold varies significantly based on your household size:
| Persons in Household | Middle Income Tier (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $39,962 – $110,886 |
| 2 | $52,272 – $156,816 |
| 3 | $64,020 – $192,059 |
| 4 | $73,924 – $221,770 |
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