Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA [2025]

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?

Although it was once neck and neck with Beverly Hills, Calabasas is the most expensive and best Los Angeles neighborhoods in the metro area. If you live in this premier area, you’ll spend the following on these cost categories:

Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Los Angeles?

Although it's still pricey, Lancaster, CA is among the more affordable areas of Los Angeles. Here's a look at those cost of living price categories:

How Much Is Rent in Los Angeles?

As of January 2025, the average overall rent in Los Angeles is $2,060 a month after falling 0.6% last month. This data reflects that prices are now down 1.0% year-over-year. Good news for renters! Los Angeles’s rent growth over the past year has has fallen behind the state average (0.8%) and is similar to the national average (-0.6%).

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

According to our latest rent report from January 2025, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles for a median rate of $1,843 a month.

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

Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles will cost a median of $2,350 a month, as of January 2025. According to our data's 100 largest cities, Los Angele ranks #52, which is similar to the growth that took place in Pittsburgh, PA (-0.6%) and Glendale, AZ (-0.6%).

How Much is Housing in Los Angeles, CA?

If you're ambitious and have your eyes set on buying a home in Los Angeles, you should expect to pay a median sales price of $912,500. How much you can expect to spend will fluctuate dramatically depending on where you buy in the Los Angeles area. Trying to buy in Bevery Hills or Calabas will be extremely expensive compared to Studio City.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Los Angeles?

Whenever possible, it's a good idea to spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. If you rent an one-bedroom apartment in L.A. for $1,843 a month, that means your income should be $73,720 a year, $6,143.33 a month, or $35.44 an hour. 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 $80,366, which is a bit higher than 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 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 $16,065 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 is Food 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 $25 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 $110.

How Much is Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA?

Make sure you leave room in your budget to cover your healthcare costs. Stay healthy by looking at MIT's data. They pull information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to find the average health expenditure for Los Angeles residents. If you're a single adult, you should expect to pay around $2,481 per year for a single full-time working adult and $8,093 per year for a family of four.

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 $184.84 a month, which is lower than the national average of $206.22. However, if you add on a monthly plan at an average of $64.51 and Internet at $73.61, your total utilities are around $322.96.

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 $51.67 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 $18.25, not including snacks and add-ons.

Los Angeles Attractions

Los Angeles offers endless opportunities locals to explore. For animal lovers, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens provide a glimpse into the world of exotic wildlife, with engaging exhibits and conservation programs. Griffith Park is another favorite with vast trails, the iconic Griffith Observatory, and breathtaking views of the city.

To cool off, locals enjoy the beaches of Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach to catch waves or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore. The Angeles National Forest is a good spot for serene hiking trails surrounded by towering pines and panoramic vistas. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the sunshine, early mornings to beat the crowds are key to making the most of what L.A. has to offer.

California State Taxes

California’s state income tax is one of the highest in the country, reaching up to 13.3% for top earners. Los Angeles residents also face a combined sales tax rate of 9.5%, which can make everyday purchases more expensive. These costs are part of the trade-off for living in a state with a strong economy and a city that offers countless opportunities.

For businesses, Los Angeles imposes a gross receipts tax based on revenue and business type, ranging from 0.1% to over 5%. Although there’s no separate city income tax, the combination of taxes can add up quickly. These expenses are worth considering if you’re planning to live or work in the city.

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 quick 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 cheapest rent in Los Angeles?

The cheapest rent in Los Angeles is currently a one-bedroom apartemnt that costs $1,843. You might be able to find cheaper rent outside the city, or by teaming up with a roommate and splitting the costs of a two-bedroom apartment.

How expensive is it to live in Los Angeles?

It costs $1,843 on average to live in a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles. Food for a single-adult will run an average of $4,371 a year. You can expect to pay at least $9,577 a year on transportation and $2,481 for medical expenses for one person.

What is the population of Los Angeles?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Los Angeles, CA is 3,820,914. The population of the entire state of California is 39,431,263.

What is a good salary in Los Angeles, CA?

If you're looking for the recommended salary in Los Angeles, CA, we suggest $73,720 annually, $6,143.33 per month, or $35.44 per hour. That total is a good salary that allows a renter to live comfortably while covering the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment which sits at $1,843. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Los Angeles is currently $80,366. You should also take into account the living wage in Los Angeles, which MIT's data shows is $26.63 per hour. That's the basic wage to live above the poverty line and cover necessities like housing, food, and transportation. However, it won't cover splurges, travel, extra shopping, or student debt repayment.