10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in LA: Budget-Living for Everyone

The city of Los Angeles is well-known for the glamour and glitz, but there’s much more to this happening city than meets the eye. No matter whether you’re a student or a young professional on a tight budget, you can find a range of affordable living options. 

The expenses of living in a neighborhood in the US generally depend on a number of factors, including crime rates, stock of older housing, and accessibility to transport and other key amenities. For example, most neighborhoods with lower crime rates are cheaper to live in and offer a greater number of older properties. 

As for LA, the more cost-effective rental options are priced at around $1000, while the more expensive options are available at around $ 1900. Our guide covers the 7 most affordable neighborhoods in LA that are unlikely to burn a hole in your pocket while making your LA dream come true.

Top 10 Affordable Neighborhoods in LA

Looking for housing that would not cost you much while providing all that’s needed for a peaceful stay? Then you should definitely consider the following 10 most affordable neighborhoods in LA. Please note that the crime rates have been expressed in terms of the number of crimes per 1000 residents. 

1. Echo Park

Average Rent: $700-$1800
Crime Rate: 53 per 1000 residents
If you’re looking for a home in a neighborhood that’s developing into a posh locale but still offers budget-friendly rental homes, Echo Park is the perfect choice. The diverse cultural scene of this neighborhood is a favorite of students from nearby universities such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles City College (LACC), and the University of Southern California (USC), making student housing in Echo Park a practical and popular option.
Regarded as one of the most affordable Los Angeles neighborhoods, this artsy area is known for the Echo Park Lake, a scenic water body that makes for a perfect picnic spot and even offers paddle boating.

2. Hollywood

Average Rent: $700-2300
Crime Rate: 51 per 1000 residents
This centrally located area is among the most popular, affordable neighborhoods in LA, thanks to its proximity to freeways and major attractions. Hollywood exudes a distinct charm owing to the hiking trails of Griffith Park and the world-famous Hollywood sign views.
Trendy cafes like Cafecito Organico and the famous food hub of Thai Town provide ample opportunities for recreation and entertainment. With institutions like Los Angeles City College in the area and others nearby, such as UCLA, Southwestern Law School, Art Institute of California-Hollywood, and American Film Institute Conservatory, student housing in Hollywood has become increasingly sought after.

3. Chinatown

Average Rent: $900-2100
Crime Rate: 82 per 1000 residents
Next up on our list is the bustling neighbourhood of Chinatown, one of the best affordable neighborhoods in LA.
A major commercial hub for offering one of the best Chinatowns in USA, some popular attractions in this locality include the central plaza, the Chinese American Museum, and the Taoist Thien Hao Temple.
Its distinct architectural character makes it stand out among other localities, as evident from the red lanterns in the buildings and pagoda-like structures. Thanks to its proximity to major universities like the University of Southern California (USC), California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), and Loyola Marymount University (LMU), student housing in Chinatown has carved a niche for itself.

4. Glendale

Average Rent: $900-$2500
Crime Rate: 24.57 per 1000 residents
Glendale is located in proximity to major attractions such as the Angeles National Forest and Downtown Los Angeles. Its charm is further enhanced by cultural centres and shopping destinations such as the Alex Theatre, Brand Park, Glendale Galleria, and the Museum of Neon Art.
Regarded as one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Glendale is a favorite of students studying in nearby colleges and universities in LA, including UCLA, Glendale Community College, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Loyola Marymount University, and USC, thanks in part to the availability of student housing in Glendale.

5. Koreatown

Average Rent: $700-$1700
Crime Rate: 60 per 1000 residents
Known to be one of the best affordable neighborhoods in LA, Koreatown offers effective public transit access via the metro (Red/Purple Line) and bus services.
The proximity to leading universities such as UCLA and the Pacific States University makes this area a sought-after choice for students, with plenty of options for student housing in Koreatown. Koreatown also offers several spots for recreation and entertainment, including the Koreatown Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the area, offering a variety of Korean products and services.
Moreover, the neighborhood has several historically significant attractions, including the Korean American National Museum and the Wiltern Theater.

6. Los Feliz

Average Rent: $700-$2300
Crime Rate: 43 per 1000 residents
As one of the best affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Los Feliz is known for its historic homes and fashionable boutiques. The walkability of this locality is evident from the concentration of restaurants, independent shops, and other recreational spots, which makes it the perfect place to explore by walking, a bonus for those looking into student housing in Los Feliz.

7. Downtown

Average Rent: $700-$2000
Crime Rate: 30 per 1000 residents
This central business district is a lively neighbourhood of Los Angeles County, with an array of skyscrapers and several culturally significant spots strewn all over. The well-known cultural institutions from the area include the Music Center, the Broad Museum, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Apart from this, renters can find several green spaces, such as the Grand Hope Park and the Grand Park. Downtown is also among the few regions that offer easy access to public transport, which makes it one of the most affordable neighborhoods in LA, especially popular for student housing in Downtown.

8. Culver City 

Average Rent: $900-$2100
Crime Rate: 75 per 1000 residents
Our next choice of Los Angeles affordable neighborhoods is this historically significant region, founded by Harry Culver, which played an important role in the production of aircraft during World War II.
Culver City is composed of various areas that possess a character of their own, such as Clarkdale, Blanco, Culver Crest, and Blair Hills. And with major institutions like Loyola Marymount University, Antioch University Los Angeles, and UCLA nearby, it’s no surprise that this dynamic city is a top choice for student housing in Culver City.

9. Little Tokyo

Average Rent: $900-$2100
Crime Rate: 54 per 1000 residents
Founded in 1884, this Japanese neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage evolved into a central hub for the community of Japanese Americans during World War II.
To this day, the area remains ever-so-vibrant, with numerous tourist spots including the Japanese Village Plaza and the Japanese American National Museum. Notably, the latter museum has informative exhibits on the history and culture associated with Japanese Americans.
Little Tokyo also has a diverse market that offers a variety of goods, including anime figures, collectables, and kimonos. Students, drawn to the area's affordability and its proximity to USC, UCLA, and Woodbury University, often seek out student housing in Little Tokyo, making it one of the most affordable LA neighborhoods.

10. Westwood

Average Rent: $900-$2100
Crime Rate: 56 per 1000 residents
This urban neighborhood is a top choice for students, with student housing in Westwood being highly sought after, thanks to its unbeatable location on the Westside and its close ties to UCLA. The region was developed to cater to the various needs of the students of this prominent university for public research.
Notably, the central location of Westwood provides easy accessibility to different parts of LA, including Century City, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. Regarded as one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, cultural spots near the locale include the Geffen Playhouse and the Hammer Museum.

Affordable & Safe Student Housing in LA

From the culturally rich corners of Koreatown to the creative hubs of Echo Park, there are a number of affordable neighborhoods in LA that balance connectivity, comfort, and budgetary needs.
Looking for verified and budget-friendly off-campus apartments and student housing in LA? Then amber can make your search a breeze. We make your housing search simple with verified, budget-friendly student apartments and off-campus housing options across LA.
We have a wide range of listings with expert support, so that your chosen home fits your wallet and your lifestyle. Here are some top student housing options in Los Angeles:

1. Lorenzo, Los Angeles – A luxury student community with easy access to USC.
2. Atlas House, Los Angeles – A secure residence offering social student spaces.
3. Tenten Downtown, Los Angeles – High-rise living with close proximity to DTLA campuses.
4. Tenten Wilshire, Los Angeles – Upscale, fully furnished apartments with rooftop amenities.
5. Vega (1700 Arapahoe St), Los Angeles – Contemporary student housing designed for privacy and productivity. 

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