Cost of living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the sprawling city in California, is known for its vibrant culture, entertainment industry, and diverse population. Understanding the cost of living in Los Angeles is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
With its unique blend of urban and suburban areas, Los Angeles offers a wide range of living experiences, each with its own cost implications. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Los Angeles in 2024.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 on average, with a range between $16 and $48.69.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $110, with prices ranging from $75 to $170.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $11 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $12, imported beer $8 to $13, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.21.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $7.72, with an average price of $4.96.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $7, averaging $4.85.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.75 and $2.75, with a monthly pass priced between $72 and $100.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.12 and $1.57 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.1, with a cost of $1.68 to $3.73 per km and $29.19 to $60 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $3050, averaging $2440.97.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1750 to $2700, averaging $2096.39.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4000 to $7000, averaging $4631.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $5000, averaging $3954.2.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6964.25 to $8500, averaging $7421.22.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $5920.15 to $7534.74, averaging $6821.57.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $300, averaging $183.8.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $72.52.
Cost of Living Rankings
Los Angeles ranks 8th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Los Angeles is known for its high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Rent prices are significantly higher in the city centre compared to the outskirts.
Transportation costs are relatively moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being manageable. However, owning a car can add to expenses due to high gasoline prices.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and bread being more affordable, while others like cheese and chicken fillets are on the higher side.
Conclusion
Living in Los Angeles can be expensive, especially when it comes to housing and dining out. However, with careful budgeting and planning, it is possible to manage expenses effectively.
Potential residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget constraints when deciding to move to Los Angeles. The city's diverse neighborhoods offer a range of living options to suit different needs and financial situations.