Cost of living in Los Angeles, California: 2025 Guide

Living in LA? It’s all palm trees, movie vibes, and feeling like you’re in a Hollywood scene, until the rent bill shows up. Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the US, as the cost of living in Los Angeles is higher than the national average, and managing your money here can feel like hitting a bull’s eye with your eyes closed.

But don’t worry, we’re here to make it easier by helping you understand the average cost of living in Los Angeles. Think of us as your LA budget buddy, helping you enjoy beach days in Santa Monica, coffee runs in Silver Lake, and nights out with friends, without going broke. In this blog, we’ll break down the cost of living in LA, from rent and food to transport and extras, so you can live well and spend smart.

Average Cost of Living in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles doesn’t come cheap; the city consistently ranks among the most expensive in the United States, even higher than San Francisco. For a single person, the average cost of living in Los Angeles (including rent, utilities, food, transport, and extras) can easily range from $3,000 to $4,500, depending on lifestyle and neighborhood. Students and budget-conscious residents can bring down the LA living expenses by choosing shared housing, using student discounts, and opting for bill-inclusive rentals.

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Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost
Rent (1‑bedroom apartment)	$1,868 — $2,368
Utilities (energy, phone)	$190 – $236
Groceries	$300 – $486
Transportation	$300/month (public transport cap)
Phone & Internet	$85/month phone + internet $60–80
Health Insurance	$271 (for a single person)
Total (single person)	$3,437 /month (excl. rent ~$1,855)

Cost of Living in Los Angeles: Rent & Housing Costs

Rent takes up the largest share of the cost of living in Los Angeles, ranging from $1,600 in budget-friendly areas to $4,000+ in some of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Choosing shared or bill-inclusive housing through platforms like amber can help keep costs manageable.

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Unit Type	Average Rent (USD/month)
Studio	$1,708
1-Bedroom Apartment	$2,188
2-Bedroom Apartment	$3,016
3-Bedroom Apartment	$4,352

How to Find Affordable Housing in LA?

The price of living in LA doesn’t have to drain your wallet. If you are wondering how to find an apartment in Los Angeles that is cheap, you can find studios from $1,000, 1-bedrooms for $1,200–$2,500, and 2-bedrooms from $1,000–$2,500. Go for shared or bill-inclusive places on amber, and you’ll keep way more cash for fun LA plans. Here are some options for affordable and cheap apartments for rent in Los Angeles, recommended by amber, ranging from $800 to $1000/month:

1. 1545 W 36th Pl, Los Angeles

2. 1622 W 35th St, Los Angeles

3. Tuscany Apartments, Los Angeles

4. 840 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles

5. 832 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles

Tip: To keep LA living expenses within an affordable range, explore shared apartments or co-living spaces through platforms like amber. You’ll save significantly on rent while reducing your overall cost of living in Los Angeles, still living in prime locations close to top universities in Los Angeles, work hubs, and public transit.

Cost of Luxurious Apartments in Los Angeles

If you want to live luxuriously, the cost of living in Los Angeles CA, rises steeply, especially in premium neighborhoods. Expect high-end amenities, prime locations, and upscale finishes that come with a premium price tag.

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Unit Type	Luxury Price Range (USD/month)
Studio	Around $2,455 – $3,360+
1-Bedroom	Roughly $3,200 – $5,540+
2-Bedroom	Typically $4,325 – $6,995+, with ultra-luxury listings up to $15,500+
3+ Bedroom	Ranges dramatically—from $11,955+ to $20,000+, and in extreme cases like Santa Monica, well over $20,000/month

Tip: Luxury rents in LA vary widely depending on location, amenities, and building prestige. If you’re aiming for high-end living without paying peak prices, look for pre-leased luxury units or off-season move-in deals in premium neighborhoods. Many landlords offer significant discounts to secure tenants quickly.

Average Monthly Rent in Popular Los Angeles Neighborhoods

When you're looking at the cost to live in Los Angeles California, where you live makes a world of difference. Neighborhoods like Playa Vista and Santa Monica launch into premium rent territory, while places like North Hollywood offer a much more wallet-friendly starting point.

1. Playa Vista – $4,288 | One of LA’s most expensive spots, known for its modern apartments and tech hub vibe.
2. Downtown Santa Monica – $4,179 | Beach access, shopping, and nightlife come with a premium price tag.
3. Beverly Grove – $3,788 | Trendy area with upscale dining and boutiques.
4. Westwood – $3,753 | Popular with UCLA students, close to campus, but rents are high.
5. North Hollywood – $2,593 | Affordable compared to the rest, with a growing arts and café scene.
6. Venice – $3,409 | Beachfront lifestyle with a mix of luxury and boho vibes.
7. Century City – $3,420 | Business district with luxury high-rises and quick access to Beverly Hills.

Tip: If you’re looking to save on rent and cost of living in LA California while staying connected to LA’s main hubs, consider neighborhoods like North Hollywood or nearby suburban areas and opt for shared housing through platforms like amber to cut the cost of living in Los Angeles even further.

Cost of Living in Los Angeles: Utilities Expenses

When you’re adding up the cost of living in LA, don’t forget utilities, which cover your basics like electricity, water, gas, internet, and phone.

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Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (USD)
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Trash	$150 – $200
Internet (60–100 Mbps)	$60 – $80
Mobile Phone Plan	$25 – $40
Total Utilities (Single Person)	$235 – $320

Cost of Living in Los Angeles: Transportation Costs

When mapping out the cost of living in Los Angeles, California, transportation is one curveball that can surprise you. For students, it gets even better, colleges often offer subsidized options like U‑Pass or Reduced Fare TAP cards, making Metro access nearly free or extremely low-cost.

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Mode of Transport	Average Cost (USD)	Notes
Public Transit (Metro Bus & Rail)	$1.75 per ride / $100 monthly pass	TAP card offers unlimited rides on Metro buses and trains.
Gasoline (Car Owners)	~$5.20 per gallon	Costs vary with commute distance.
Parking	$100 – $250/month	Higher in downtown and university areas.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)	$15 – $30 per short trip	Ideal for late-night or off-route travel.
Cycling	Free to $25/month	For bike maintenance, some areas have bike-share programs like Metro Bike.
University Shuttle Services	Free – Included in tuition/fees	Many LA universities (UCLA, USC, LMU) provide free campus shuttles or discounted passes for students.

Cost of Living in Los Angeles: Groceries & Food Expenses

In the average cost of living in LA California, groceries and dining are major players. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars each month, with the cost of living in Los Angeles varying based on how much you cook at home versus eat out.

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Category	Average Cost (USD)	Notes
Groceries (Single Person)	$300 – $450/month	Includes essentials like bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and meats from stores like Trader Joe’s, Ralphs, or Costco.
Budget Meals (Eating Out)	$15 – $20 per meal	Fast food chains and affordable cafes.
Mid-Range Dining	$60 – $80 for two	Restaurants in non-tourist areas.
Coffee	$4 – $6 per cup	Specialty coffee shops and campus cafes.
Meal Plans (Universities)	$250 – $450/month	Offered by many LA universities for on-campus dining.

Tip: Save money by meal prepping and shopping during weekly sales at grocery chains. Students can stretch their cost of living in Los Angeles by opting for university meal plans or choosing accommodation on amber that offers inclusive food services, reducing both grocery and dining-out costs.

Cost of Living in Los Angeles: Neighborhood Guide

The cost of living in LA can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood. Compared to San Francisco, LA offers more flexibility in rent and lifestyle. Some of the safest neighborhoods in LA, such as Brentwood, Westwood, and Santa Monica, tend to have higher cost of life in Los Angeles, but they offer a secure environment and are worth considering if you're willing to invest in both safety and convenience.

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Neighborhood	Cost of Living (Excluding Rent)	Lifestyle Notes
Beverly Hills	$1,000 – $1,500	Ultra-luxury living, high-end shopping, celebrity hotspots.
Brentwood	$900 – $1,200	Upscale, quiet, close to beaches, known for its leafy streets.
Playa Vista	$850 – $1,200	Modern apartments, tech hub vibe, near the coast.
Downtown Santa Monica	$900 – $1,300	Beach access, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife.
Beverly Grove	$850 – $1,100	Trendy restaurants, boutiques, and a central location.
Westwood	$900 – $1,200	Popular with UCLA students, a mix of upscale and student housing.
North Hollywood	$600 – $900	Affordable arts district with good transport connections.

Tip: If you love the lifestyle but think the cost of living in Beverly Hills, California, is too high, look for nearby neighborhoods with lower rents and use amber filters to find bill-inclusive deals.

Cost of Living in Los Angeles: Miscellaneous Costs

These everyday extras may not make headlines, but they quietly add up in the average living cost in LA. Think personal care, gym, visiting a club (we all know how dope the best nightclubs in LA are), clothing, safety features, subscriptions, and the occasional coffee run, typically making up 10–15% of your budget, unless you've snagged a rent that bundles some of these in.

1. Healthcare & Insurance: $200 – $350 (basic coverage for a single person; higher for comprehensive plans).‍

2. Personal Care: $40 – $80 (toiletries, grooming, salon visits).
3. Gym Membership: $40 – $70 (cheaper or free if included in university facilities).
4. Safety Features: Many LA rentals in higher-priced areas include gated access, security systems, and 24/7 surveillance—these can add $25 – $50/month in fees.
5. Subscriptions: $10 – $50 (streaming services, cloud storage, app memberships).
6. Clothing: $50 – $150 (varies by season and style preferences).

Tip: Keep your miscellaneous costs in check by being mindful of subscription services, cancel what you don’t use regularly, and take advantage of student discounts for gyms, personal care, and streaming. Shop smart for clothing at thrift stores or during seasonal sales.

So, here’s the tea: yes, the Los Angeles cost of living per month can be steep, and the cost of living in Los Angeles per year might make your eyes water if you’re not ready for it. The cost of living index in Los Angeles sits high compared to most US cities, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your lifestyle to survive here.

With the right choices, like picking budget-friendly or bill-inclusive housing on amber, using student discounts, and knowing when to splurge, you can keep your cost of living in Los Angeles per month under control. LA can be both your dream city and a place where your bank account stays happy. Plan smart, live well, and let the City of Angels give you all its best without the budget nightmares.

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