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Los Angeles or LA is a joyful city in Southern California. It is the centre of the Nation’s film school and television industry. L.A. is the most populous city in California. Known for its friendly communities and prestigious universities, and also boasts a high cost of living in Los Angeles, ranking in the top 0.8% of the most expensive cities in the world.
If you aspire to study abroad in Los Angeles, it’s important to be aware of the living expenses. This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Los Angeles, California, covering various essential categories. Explore the details to better understand what to expect.
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Cost of Living in Los Angeles
The average cost of living in Los Angeles exclusive of the rent cost for a single person is approximately USD 1,351 according to numbeo data. Further, if we consider the one-room apartment rents, it can cost you around USD 1700 to USD 3500. This cost may vary depending on the lifestyle and budget of an individual.
The cost of living in Los Angeles includes a few costs such as utility bills, housing rent, transportation costs, entertainment costs, food costs, groceries costs, and a few costs. Here, please take a glance at the overview we have given for the average cost of living in Los Angeles with the necessary expense categories if you are looking to live there:
Also Read: Cost of living in Moscow: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Costs of Food in Los Angeles
The cost of food varies depending upon the location If you are having a meal at a luxurious hotel then, it may hit your pocket. Being a student, I would suggest you manage your food cost either by cooking food on your own or eating at a university mess would also be a great idea. Because it can impact your cost of living in Los Angeles. Following is the list of some food products in Los Angeles:
| Type of Food in Restaurants | Approx Costs |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | USD 25 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | USD 120 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | USD 12 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | USD 8 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | USD 10 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | USD 5.36 |
Costs of Groceries in Los Angeles
The cost of groceries in Los Angeles significantly impacts the overall cost of living in Los Angeles due to its daily expenses. Factors such as cooking at home and meal preferences can influence your grocery bill.
Grocery prices in Los Angeles vary based on where you shop and the quality of products. Comparing prices across different stores is essential to ensure you get the best value for your money. Below is a summary of average grocery expenses in Los Angeles:
| Grocery Items | Approx Price |
| Milk (1 L) | USD 1.21 |
| Water (1.5 L) | USD 2.27 |
| Rice (1 kg) | USD 5.83 |
| Loaf of Bread (500 g) | USD 5.08 |
| 12 Eggs | USD 4.86 |
| Cheese (1 kg) | USD 13.33 |
| Apples (1 kg) | USD 5.71 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | USD 3.57 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | USD 2.32 |
| Potato (1 kg) | USD 3.10 |
| Tomato (1 kg) | USD 5.23 |
| Onion (1 kg) | USD 2.53 |
| Lettuce | USD 2.02 |
Costs of Accommodation in Los Angeles
Finding suitable accommodation in Los Angeles can be one of the most difficult tasks for students and accommodation costs cover the major portion of the cost of living in Los Angeles. The city’s vast size and diverse neighbourhoods offer a range of housing options, each with its own cost structure. Here’s an overview of what cost you can expect when looking for a place to live in Los Angeles.
| Type of Accommodation | Rent Per Month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment in the City Center | USD 2,483 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment in the City Center | USD 4,805 |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside the City Center | USD 2,131 |
| 3-bedroom apartment outside the City Center | USD 3,798 |
Cost of Utilities in Los Angeles
The utility bill of a single person including the electricity bill, heating, water, and other things for an 85 m2 apartment is around USD 198. Internet bill charges for 1 month that offers 60 Mbps+ speed and unlimited data is around USD 69.37. The monthly mobile phone plan including unlimited calls and 10 GD data is around USD 76.04.
Transportation Costs in Los Angeles
Getting around Los Angeles involves various transportation options. It has a good public transportation system managed by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), which includes Metro Buses, DASH Buses, and Metro Rail Trains.
As a student, being aware of these expenses is crucial for effective budgeting. Below are the transportation costs in Los Angeles:
| Type of Transportation | Average Cost |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | USD 80 |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | USD 1.75 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | USD 3.1 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | USD 1.68 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | USD 29.19 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | USD 1.41 |
Cost of Healthcare in Los Angeles
The healthcare facility is the most important thing to consider while planning to study in Los Angeles. Take a glance at the below table to learn about the healthcare costs.
| Healthcare Facility | Expense |
| Doctor’s Visit | USD 130.40 |
| Dentist Visit | USD 120.27 |
| Optometrist Visit | USD 131.31 |
| Rx Drugs | USD 512.62 |
| 32 tampons | USD 9 |
| Cold medicine for a week | USD 9 |
| 12 doses of antibiotics | USD 16 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Galway: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Living in Los Angeles Compared to Other States
Los Angeles is generally considered a moderately expensive city to live in comparison to some states in the USA. When comparing the cost of living in Los Angeles to other cities, several factors come into the picture, like housing, transportation, dining, entertainment, etc. For those seeking a balanced lifestyle with higher living expenses, Los Angeles remains an attractive option within the USA.
So to give you an idea of how the cost of living in Los Angeles compares to other cities like New Your, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle and Las Vegas. We’ve given the cost of living in other cities. Please have a look:
| Cost of Living City/State Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in New York | USD 1,653 (excluding rent) | Higher than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in Chicago | USD 1,292 (excluding rent) | Lower than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in San Francisco | USD 1,512 (excluding rent) | Higher than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in Dallas | USD 1,232 (excluding rent) | Lower than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in Houston | USD 1,136 (excluding rent) | Lower than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in Miami | USD 1,309 (excluding rent) | Lower than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in Atlanta | USD 1,289 (excluding rent) | Lower than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in Seattle | USD 1,378 (excluding rent) | Higher than Los Angeles |
| Cost of Living in Las Vegas | USD 1,116 (excluding rent) | Lower than Los Angeles |
Why Choose Los Angeles for Study Abroad?
Choosing Los Angeles for studying abroad will offer you a lot of opportunities and unique career options. As the city is home to top educational institutions and universities, they provide diverse academic programs, be it engineering, business, science, film, art, television, or any other field.
L.A. is the epicentre of Hollywood, so it is known for its art and culture. This energetic city has welcoming and friendly people so you would get a great chance to network during your studies in Los Angeles.
Besides studies, networking, personal growth, cultural diversity, and work opportunities, this city has beautiful beaches, mountains, and parks that would give you a chance to explore outdoor recreational activities.
Average Tuition Fees in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a lot to offer to international students. There are many prestigious universities in Los Angeles such as the University of Southern California (USC), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), and many more.
The average tuition fee in Los Angeles, California for international students varies depending upon the type of university. Private charge more fees as compared to public domain universities in Los Angeles. The following table gives you the approximate average tuition fees in L.A. for international students:
| Course | Average Tuition Fees |
| Undergraduate | USD 24382 – USD 68474 |
| Graduate | USD 30000 – USD 70000 |
Tips to Manage the Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Knowing the cost of living in Los Angeles is crucial, but understanding how to manage your expenses is equally important. Here are some tips to help you budget effectively and make the most of your money in Los Angeles:
- The accommodation in Los Angeles is a bit expensive. So, you must try to find a good deal. We could help you find some best student accommodation in Los Angeles. Click on the link to learn more: Student Accommodation in Los Angeles.
- You can save your money on food, and avoid eating outside.
- Use public transportation or a bicycle to travel to your university daily.
- There are a lot of opportunities for international students, and you can do part-time jobs to earn a good amount.
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FAQs on the Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Ans. The average cost of living in Los Angeles for an international student excluding the rent and tuition fee is approximately USD 1,351. However, the estimated cost of housing rent ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 3,500.
Ans. The average monthly net salary after tax is around USD 5,010 according to numbeo. This amount is higher than the cost of living in Los Angeles. However, your expense also depends upon your lifestyle and your finances.
Ans. Los Angeles is quite expensive for students because it is one of the most glamorous cities in California, but there are a lot of ways in which a student can manage the cost of living in Los Angeles by planning their budget. However, the average cost of living in Los Angeles for an international student excluding the rent is approximately USD 1,351.
Ans. The estimated rent in Los Angeles ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 3,500 per month. This amount can vary based on the condition of the apartment, the available facilities, and the location.
We hope that this blog has provided you with relevant information on the Cost of Living in Los Angeles. And if you wish to study abroad, contact Leverage Edu for further assistance. You can also call us at 1800572000 and book a free session today!
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