Cost of living in Los Angeles for foreigners
Los Angeles is an exciting city with a lot of opportunities and a vibrant community to live in, but there is no denying that it is also expensive. Housing costs are soaring high, and rent usually takes the largest share of your income. On top of that, groceries, commute, and healthcare quickly add to your monthly expenses. As a result, many foreigners are surprised by how fast their bank accounts run dry when they are in Los Angeles.
For foreigners and immigrants, adjusting to life in Los Angeles can be even more challenging at first. If you have little or no credit history, renting a place may be harder, and you might need to pay a bigger security deposit. In addition, the healthcare system could feel unfamiliar and confusing at first. Also, your lifestyle choices will affect how much you spend.
This blog explains what to expect before you move. It covers the cost of living in Los Angeles, including the rent, food, transportation, healthcare, and lifestyle, so you can plan meticulously.
Is Los Angeles expensive?
A lot of foreigners planning to visit the United States wonder how expensive Los Angeles is. The Los Angeles cost of living is high mainly because of housing. Rent is high, and buying a home costs even more. As a result, many people end up spending much of their income just on housing.
The cost-of-living index shows this difference. It compares everyday expenses like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare to the US average. In Los Angeles, those numbers are noticeably higher. Because of this, basic monthly expenses stack up before you know it.
Los Angeles might feel expensive if you're:
- Earning less than the average salary in LA
- Living in trendy neighborhoods like Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Downtown with higher rents and amenities
- Relying on a car and facing gas, parking, and insurance costs.
Los Angeles might feel reasonable if you're:
- Earning a stable or above-average income
- Choosing neighborhoods outside high-demand areas, like North Hollywood, Koreatown, or Eagle Rock
- Using public transportation strategically, carpooling, or combining ride shares to reduce commuting costs
Average cost of living in Los Angeles (monthly overview)
The average cost of living in Los Angeles is higher than in most U.S. cities. Housing takes the biggest share. However, daily expenses also add up faster than many people expect.
Having a monthly estimate helps with planning. The numbers below show typical ranges for 2026, but your actual costs will depend on your lifestyle, where you live, and your household size. These figures are approximate and meant to guide budgeting, not serve as an exact guess.
| Expense category | Single person estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $2,200 to $3,800 | Depends on location, apartment size, and neighborhood. |
| Utilities | $330 to $600 | Includes electricity, water, gas, trash, and internet. |
| Food | $450 to $850 | Grocery costs vary; dining out can increase this bracket |
| Transportation | Gasoline: $250 to $450 Public Transport: $50-$100 Car payment & Insurance: $500 - $1,200 Parking Fee: $100 - $350 Rideshare: $200 -$500 |
|
| Health insurance | $350 to $1,200 | Premiums depend on plan type, employer coverage, and age. |
| Personal expenses | $200 to $800 | Includes phone, entertainment, and personal care. |
*Figures sourced from Cost Check USA1
Housing costs in Los Angeles
Housing makes up the largest part of the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA. The average rent for most apartments in the area is about $2,700 per month.
Rent depends on where you live and the size of the apartment. One-bedroom apartments in or near the city usually cost between $2,100 and $2,700 per month2. Studios are often less expensive, with many costing about $1,6502. However, in popular neighborhoods, rent often stays above $2,000 and goes up to $50003.
Where you live also changes how much you pay for housing. Apartments near downtown or the beach usually cost more than those farther out in the suburbs. If you plan ahead and compare different areas, you can find a good balance between price and convenience when living in Los Angeles.
Food and grocery prices in Los Angeles
Food costs are a big part of the Los Angeles cost of living, and many people notice this huge dent once they sum up their monthly expenses. A typical grocery budget for one person in Los Angeles ranges from about $450 to $850 per month1, which breaks down to roughly $105 to $200 per week. This range depends on how much you cook at home or eat specialty items. Couples often spend $800 to $1,400 monthly1, depending on their eating habits, while a family of four can expect $1,400 to $2,200 per month1, or about $325 to $510 per week, including household essentials.
Grocery prices for common items help show what food costs feel like locally. A gallon of milk usually goes for around $4.60, and a loaf of bread costs about $4.94. A dozen eggs typically sells for around $7.42 in local markets.
Dining out also adds to your monthly food spending. A casual meal out often costs about $20 to $45 per person1, and fast food options sit near $12 per meal. It may not seem like much, but grabbing a $12 fast-food meal every day adds up to around $4,380 per year. These habit costs add up quickly, encouraging most people to think twice about frequent quick bites. Using meal delivery or buying coffee regularly can add $200 to $400 to the monthly budget.
Smart shopping and a mix of home cooking and occasional dining out help manage the cost of living in Los Angeles without surprises.
Transportation costs
Transportation makes up a large part of the average cost of living in Los Angeles. Public options include buses and the metro, which are the main source of commute for residents. A monthly transit pass usually costs less than $1001, so it’s an affordable option for daily travel.
Owning a car brings extra costs. Gas usually runs between $250 and $450 each month, depending on how much you drive. Insurance adds another $500 to $1200, and parking can cost $100 to $350, depending on where you live. Because Los Angeles is so spread out, people often drive long distances and pay more for gas and parking, especially in busy neighborhoods. Many people also use rideshare services, which can add another $200 to $500 to your monthly transportation budget.1
Having a car makes it easier to get to work, run errands, and meet up with friends. However, it increases the cost to live in LA, so planning your transportation budget carefully is important.
Utilities and internet
Many people forget to include utility bills when planning their budget in Los Angeles, but these costs are a regular part of living here. For one person, electricity, water, and trash services usually total around $150 to $300 each month1. If you have a bigger household, expect higher bills since you’ll use more.
Changing seasons could also drive up the cost. In the hot summer, running the air conditioner makes electricity bills go up. When it’s cooler, these costs usually drop. Water and trash fees stay about the same, but some apartments include them in the rent. So it’s a good idea to check your lease so you know what’s covered and what's not.
Over time, these recurring bills can total several hundred dollars each month. You must thoughtfully plan your budget and compare providers beforehand. Also, make small adjustments, such as monitoring summer electricity use, to keep the monthly cost of living in Los Angeles under your planned bracket.
Healthcare costs for foreigners
At first, moving to Los Angeles is exciting. But soon, when you fall sick, medical costs enter the picture with a big hammer. Healthcare has a real impact on the cost of living in LA California, and it is not something to overlook. In the United States, getting treatment without insurance is expensive. Even a basic doctor visit can cost a few hundred dollars, and an emergency room visit can be much more.
Because of this, health insurance is an important part of your monthly budget. Most single adults pay between $600 and $1,200 each month1, depending on their age and the type of coverage. Family plans are more expensive, especially if you have children. Employer-sponsored plans often have lower monthly costs, while private plans are usually more expensive.
Without insurance, medical bills can accumulate quickly. Hospital stays, lab tests, and visits to specialists all cost a lot. One unexpected health problem can affect your finances for a long time.
Los Angeles vs other US cities
Comparing costs can give you a clearer picture. While many people think all big cities are equally expensive, even small changes in rent, transportation, or taxes can affect your budget.
LA vs New York
New York has a cost of living index of 100, which is higher than Los Angeles ' cost of living index of 83.1. So, daily costs in LA are high, but not as high as in New York’s priciest areas. Rent, food, and utilities all tend to cost more in New York, making overall expenses greater there.
LA vs San Francisco
San Francisco is also more expensive than Los Angeles in many ways. Data4 shows a single person in San Francisco spends about $10,277 per month, while in Los Angeles, it is about $8,990. As a result, living expenses for housing and daily needs tend to feel steeper in San Francisco.
LA vs national average
The national cost of living index is set at 1005, but Los Angeles scores around 83.14. This means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities are a bit lower than the national benchmark. However, housing and lifestyle costs in LA are still higher than in many other cities, so overall living expenses can feel more expensive for residents.
How foreigners can reduce living costs in LA
Moving to Los Angeles can feel exciting, but newcomers quickly notice how high living expenses in Los Angeles can be. The good news is that with some smart choices, you can make life in LA much more affordable.
Start by choosing a neighborhood that fits your budget. Places like Koreatown or North Hollywood have more affordable housing and are still close to work and entertainment.
Shared housing is another way to save money. You can split the rent, utilities, and internet bills, and even share unexpected costs when they come up.
Transportation affects monthly spending significantly. Use public transit like the Metro or buses to save on gas, parking, and car repairs. Plan your trips to avoid traffic and save you time and money.
You can also cut costs by managing food and utilities. Cook at home to lower grocery costs, and limit dining out to keep spending under control. Monitor electricity and water use to decrease monthly bills.
Finally, make a budget to keep your finances on track. Keep an eye on your income and expenses to see the graph of your budget and adjust accordingly.
How BOSS Revolution helps foreigners manage expenses
Living in Los Angeles can be expensive, and managing the California cost of living is a real concern for foreigners who are leaving their loved ones behind. Many people are concerned about sending money home or keeping in touch with family abroad. BOSS Revolution offers tools that make it easier to stay connected with loved ones without spending too much.
With BOSS Revolution, you can send money internationally quickly and safely, helping support family members overseas while keeping fees low. International calls are also more affordable than most traditional phone plans, so you can keep in touch with loved ones without raising your monthly bills.
Mobile top-ups give your friends and family abroad more flexibility. By sending prepaid credit directly, you avoid using several services and can better predict your costs.
Final thoughts
Starting life in Los Angeles can feel like stepping into a high-cost city, but the cost of living in Los Angeles for one person becomes manageable with planning. Housing choices shape most expenses, so choose the right neighborhood, or share a place, to help lower rent and utility bills. You can also save on transportation by using public transit or planning your car trips. Since utilities and personal expenses can build up before you know it. It's important to keep track of your spending and stick to a budget. With good planning and realistic expectations, you can enjoy life in LA to your fullest without being overwhelmed by monthly bills.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of February 23, 2026
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https://costcheckusa.com/monthly-living/monthly-living-cost-in-los-angeles-ca
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https://www.zillow.com/rental-manager/market-trends/los-angeles-ca
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https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/ca/los-angele
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https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+States&city1=Los+Angeles%2C+CA&country2=United+States&city2=San+Francisco%2C+CA
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https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/cost-of-living-calculator/
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https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/region_rankings_current.jsp?region=019
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
