Cost of Living in Los Angeles
United States
Monthly budget (single)
$2,831–$4,482/month
$2,831 – $4,482 (local currency)
Last updated: 2026-03
Can you afford to live in Los Angeles?
Enter your monthly take-home in USD. We compare it to typical budgets for your household size (estimates, not financial advice).
Cost breakdown
| Category | USD | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $2,123 – $3,303 |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $1,121 – $1,769 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | $88–$171 | $88 – $171 |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $35 – $59 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $448–$672 | $448 – $672 |
| Eating out (per meal, mid-range) | $59–$106 | $59 – $106 |
| Coffee | $5–$7 | $5 – $7 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | $112–$136 | $112 – $136 |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $41 – $77 |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $17 – $21 |
Budget scenarios
Single
$2,831–$4,482/mo USD
$2,831 – $4,482
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,303/mo
- Groceries: ~$672/mo
- Transport: ~$136/mo
Couple
$4,482–$6,841/mo USD
$4,482 – $6,841
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,303/mo
- Groceries: ~$672/mo
- Transport: ~$136/mo
Family
$6,487–$10,026/mo USD
$6,487 – $10,026
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,303/mo
- Groceries: ~$672/mo
- Transport: ~$136/mo
Neighbourhood guide
Los Angeles Center
CentralUrban core, transit access
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,654–$4,129/mo ($2,654 – $4,129)
Los Angeles Midtown
CentralMixed residential
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,335–$3,633/mo ($2,335 – $3,633)
Los Angeles Outer
SuburbanQuieter, family-friendly
Est. 1-bed rent: $1,698–$2,642/mo ($1,698 – $2,642)
Quality of life scores
Pros & cons
✅ Pros
- • Weather
- • Creative industries
- • Diversity
❌ Cons
- • Car dependency
- • Sprawl
- • High rent
Similar cities & cheaper alternatives
Compare Los Angeles with another city
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Estimates are for comparison only and do not constitute financial advice. Sources include our internal dataset and periodic third-party index updates.