Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA [2024]

From mansions to dive bars, Los Angeles is known for its eclectic makeup of ambitious city dwellers looking to carve out their paths. Whether you want to conquer the entertainment industry or live in a diverse neighborhood teeming with hipster bars and venues, you'll be able to find it.

However, remember that the price tag of living in LA doesn't come cheap. With the many perks of Los Angeles, residing here comes at a higher cost of living than in most places. The trade-offs may be worth it, depending on your lifestyle preferences and desire for incredible weather.

Here's how expensive it is to live in Los Angeles and areas where you can save.

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

What Is the Cost of Living in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is among the most expensive cities in California, with the cost of living currently 49.9% higher than the national average. From rent to groceries, let’s take a look at how it breaks down into real-world costs and the real cost averages by each category.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Los Angeles?

Calabasas is among the most expensive and best Los Angeles neighborhoods in the metro area. If you live in this premier area, you’ll spend a media of $3,030 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Los Angeles?

The most affordable major neighborhood in Los Angeles is Pomona, with the median rent for a one-bedroom costing $1,533.

How Much Is Rent in Los Angeles?

As of April 2024, the average rent in Los Angeles for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,988 a month. For Los Angeles’s most expensive areas of Calabasas and Lake Forest, that cost is slightly higher at $3,030 for a one-bedroom apartment and a two-bedroom apartment $2,772, respectively. Some of the least expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles's metro area are Pomona and Long Beach with a one-bedroom apartment costing $1,533 and a two-bedroom sitting at $1,935.

How Much is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Los Angeles?

You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles for an average rate of $2,988 a month as of July 2024. The averages are based on rental prices on Apartment List and our latest data.

How Much is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Los Angeles?

Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles will cost around $4,106 a month on average as of July 2024. In June 2024, the rent growth in Los Angeles ranked #63 among large cities in the United States.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Los Angeles?

If you followed the 30% rule to find your apartment, you discovered you needed to earn around $119,520 a year, $9,960 a month, or $57.46 an hour to rent an $2,988 one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles.

Of course, if you want to live a more lavish lifestyle or have kids in tow, you need to raise your income or lower your rent.

You should also consider the living wage when calculating the cost of living in Los Angeles. The living wage is the minimum amount of money needed to live above the poverty threshold.

According to MIT’s “living wage” calculation, Los Angeles’ living wage looks at different cost factors, including how much a single person would need to live in Los Angeles. At a minimum, you would need at least $26.63 an hour or $55,390 a year for one, single adult. If you’re a family of two parents and a child, you would need $43.61 an hour, or $90,709 a year.

The calculations do not include extra expenses like student loans, vacations, eating out, or entertainment. It also won't help you save, as you're living on the bare minimum and won't have any breathing room for an emergency expense.

Costs can add up quickly when you live in an urban epicenter. Make sure you consider the job market and salary expectations before you move. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the household income is $76,244, which is close to the national average of $74,580. However, the cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than most of the United States.

How Much Are Utilities in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles' fabulous weather keeps utility bills reasonable, especially during the winter months. You may need to factor in your air conditioning budget rising during the summer months. The most updated data on Numbeo shows a renter in Los Angeles will spend an average of $191.31 a month, which is lower than the national average of $207.48. However, if you add on a monthly plan at an average of $72.13 and Internet at $75.33, your total utilities are around $338.77.

How Much Is Child Care in Los Angeles?

According to the latest MIT data, you’ll spend around $15,050 for the annual cost of child care in Los Angeles. For two children, you’ll spend $30,100.

Daycare is expensive throughout the country, but is especially high in Los Angeles. When daycares are located in areas with a high cost of living, they are also more expensive to offset costs and the wages they pay to workers. The demand for childcare can also drive up costs. Los Angeles also has regulations and standards that daycare facilities and caregivers must follow, which also contributes to the overall training and operational costs.

How Much Is Transportation in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a driving town. However, it's becoming easier to get around by relying on public transportation and rideshares.

The LA Metro takes residents through the city by public bus. Transferring at multiple stops is the norm. There's also a Los Angeles Metro Rail urban rail system, which spans six lines and two subway lines.

If you want to ditch the car, living in a walkable neighborhood that's near your workplace is your best bet. You'll also need a rideshare budget, a bus route backup, and the occasional rental car to get to where you need to go.

Plan your transportation expenses accordingly. MIT estimates that a single person living in Los Angeles will spend $9,577 per year on transportation. You’ll spend $13,962 for two adults and one child.

You’ll need to save more if you plan to travel in and out of Los Angeles. You can also take advantage of area airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Hollywood Burbank Airport.

How Much Are Groceries in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a dining paradise and requires its own budget. Of course, you can do it cheaply. According to the MIT living wage estimates, a single adult that cooks their meals (including snacks) at home will spend around $4,371 per year on food. If you’re a two parent household with a child, you’ll spend $9,975.

If you moved to Los Angeles to eat your way through the city, expect to spend at least $24 per meal at an inexpensive restaurant without appetizers, alcohol, and dessert. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant will run an average of $120.

Los Angeles Fitness & Entertainment

Los Angeles is a fitness and entertainment town that likes to look good and play hard. Jogging is free, but snagging sidewalk space in your neighborhood may get competitive.

An average fitness center will cost around $51.36 per month. However, you may be able to find cheaper options at small community gyms, the YMCA, and Planet Fitness. Fortunately, there are free trails and hiking spots you can explore, like Griffith Park or nearby beaches.

You'll need to factor in your nightlife budget when living in Los Angeles. Going out on the town every night quickly adds up, especially if you add door covers or drink minimums.

But to give you an idea of what to expect for recreation, a new release at the cinema runs $17.50, not including snacks and add-ons.

Find Your Next Apartment in Los Angeles

Now that you’re fully informed about how much it costs to live in Los Angeles, it might be time to start looking for apartments! We’re here to help. At ApartmentList, we gather information about your preferences (location, budget, and amenities), and then flex those preferences in order to show you even more options. Get started by taking our fast and easy quiz.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in Los Angeles in 2024

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Los Angeles?

If you’re following the recommended 30% rule, you’ll need an income of around $119,520 or $57.46 to comfortably afford a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles. However, MIT also estimates that the minimum living wage with no extras, student loan payments, or emergencies is $26.63 an hour. If you add a single child to your household, the minimum salary you’ll need in Los Angeles rises to around $43.61 an hour or $90,709 per year.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Los Angeles?

According to our data, Pomona has among the cheapest average rents of $1,533 for a one-bedroom apartment. Long Beach rents don't fall far behind at an average of $1,593 for a one-bedroom apartment.

What is the average electric bill in Los Angeles?

Looking at the latest available data, someone living in Los Angeles spends between $140 and $212 on electricity each month, depending on the season and how conservative you are when using your air conditioning.