Los Angeles isn’t just big—it’s huge. Living in LA opens the door to some seriously grand experiences. Top-notch schools, a sneak peek behind the scenes of the industry, cafés that could rival a Parisian scene, and beaches that gleam like gold.
And for us young adults and college students, LA is THE place to be. If Los Angeles is still lounging on your “maybe” list, it’s time to give it a little nudge over to the “must” column.
Why, you ask? Well, for starters, Los Angeles is easily one of the most diverse cities in the USA. With 106 colleges within 50 miles, the city is teeming with students from all walks of life. Are you a tech geek looking to make waves? Or perhaps a budding performance artist chasing auditions? An aspiring med student? Los Angeles is bound to have a place just for you.
Los Angeles has tons of work and study gigs waiting to be snagged. And yeah, it’s known for being a bit pricey, but guess what? There are oodles of affordable nooks even in the fanciest spots!
Moving to Los Angeles: Best Neighborhoods for College Students
As a student, living near campus is a no-brainer. It saves you time and hassle. Plus you can easily hop on the Metro to get around. But hey, we didn’t move to Los Angeles just for school, right? Nah!
These neighborhoods have it all—or at least everything in between. They’re affordable, conveniently located near colleges and universities, offer plenty of affordable student housing options, and are packed with some of the best experiences Los Angeles offers.
So, when considering where to live in Los Angeles, keep these neighborhoods in your back pocket:
1. University Park
True to its name, University Park is bustling with college students and young professionals. It’s the proud home of the University of Southern California and Mount Saint Mary’s University, Doheny Campus.
Accessibility? Check. You can easily navigate around without a car. Moreover, it’s quite close to Downtown. Many students from nearby neighborhood colleges opt to call University Park home instead due to its lower cost of living. And that’s not all, when it comes to entertainment, this neighborhood delivers.
Things to Do Nearby
- Catch a Trojans game at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- Breakfast at Jack N Joe and lunch at Northern Cafe – day made.
- Unwind with yoga classes at popular spots in University Park, such as Core Power Yoga and Peace Yoga Gallery.
- Take advantage of the neighborhood’s proximity to Downtown Los Angeles. Visit theatres such as Aratani Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, Laugh Factory, etc.
2. Downtown
Ah, Downtown Los Angeles—the beating heart of the city. Living here isn’t for the faint of heart, though—it’s one of the pricier parts of Los Angeles. But hey, when you’re a student at a nearby college, you make it work. Whether it’s living off-campus or splitting rent with roommates, there are ways to make this neighborhood more student-budget-friendly.
And the perks? Oh, they’re so worth it. Downtown Los Angeles puts you right in the center of all the Los Angeles action.
Things to Do Nearby
- Catch a game or concert at the STAPLES Center.
- Downtown is known for its nightlife. La Cita Bar and Exchange are two popular college bars in the heart of Downtown.
- Treat your taste buds at Grand Central Market, a foodie paradise. Visiting the OGs there is a must – Eggslut and China Cafe.
- Enjoy the outdoor cinema vibe at Street Food Cinema, where tickets start from $22.
3. Hollywood
You’d think Hollywood would be all glitz and glamor, right? Surprisingly, there are pockets of affordability in this iconic neighborhood. Students can score budget-friendly housing near West Hollywood and East Hollywood.
What’s more, West Hollywood sits right in the heart of Central Los Angeles, making it a hotspot for nearby colleges and universities. From the Los Angeles Film School to the American Film Institute; Hollywood’s educational scene is thriving. And it’s not just Hollywood-based colleges that benefit—schools in neighboring areas like Koreatown and Westwood also reap the rewards of this affordable locale. Angeles College and World Mission University are to the east, while UCLA is just a 14-minute drive west.
Things to Do Nearby
- Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and spot your favorite stars.
- Attend the two-day music festival held yearly in June at the Hollywood Bowl.
- Hike up to the Runyon Canyon Park for breathtaking views of the city.
- Brunch in WeHo is a must! Try The Butcher’s Daughter for plant-based delights, WeHo Bistro for the best quiches, and Soulmate for fun cocktails.
4. Westwood
Sure, Westwood may have a reputation for being pricey, but don’t let that scare you off just yet. Finding off-campus housing and roommates in this part of Los Angeles is surprisingly easy. With its bustling college student and young professional population, there are plenty of options for affordable living if you know where to look.
Living in Westwood means you get the best of both worlds—proximity to campus and a swanky environment. So, while rent might seem steep (an average of $4,737 for a 2-bedroom apartment), splitting it with a roommate brings it down to a much more manageable $2,369 each.
Things to Do Nearby
- Catch a movie at the historic Fox Village Theater.
- Explore the shops and restaurants along Venice Boulevard.
- Enjoy a picnic or hike in the scenic surroundings of the UCLA Botanical Garden.
- Hike along the trails of Topanga State Park. And if you are a beginner, head to the Temescal Getaway Park for an easier hike. You can easily reach these parks through a short drive.
5. Santa Monica
While not technically part of Los Angeles, ask any Angeleno, and they’ll tell you it’s practically a sister city. Just a 9-minute drive from UCLA, Santa Monica is conveniently close to other universities like LMU and Santa Monica College.
For the young and outdoorsy, Santa Monica is a dream destination. With its golden beaches and perfect blend of city-meets-sea vibe, it’s hard to beat. Sure, some might argue it’s on the pricier side, but fear not! Areas near Santa Monica College, while a tad sketchy, offer super affordable living options. And the best part? Getting around the area is a breeze—you won’t even need a car.
Things to Do Nearby
- Soak up the sun and surf at Santa Monica State Beach.
- Stroll along the iconic Santa Monica Pier and ride on the Ferris wheel.
- Explore the shops and eateries along the 3rd Street Promenade.
- Hike or bike along the scenic 22 mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
- Hangout with friends at the Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach Boardwalk
Living in Los Angeles with Roommates
More young adults than ever are teaming up with roommates. The biggest pro about sharing an apartment in Los Angeles? You can snag a swankier spot in a primo neighborhood without breaking the bank. The downsides? Well, privacy’s a bit of an issue, did we mention privacy, oh, and privacy?
But here’s the scoop: Los Angeles is all about networking. Whether you’re hunting for a job, scoping out a sweet pad, or building your squad in a new hood—networking is the name of the game. So, when you’re fresh to the city, rooming with a buddy just makes sense. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might just score yourself a lifelong pal for the journey.
Let’s talk cash. Living solo in Los Angeles? Pricey, to say the least. Especially on a student budget, snagging a studio in a decent hood can feel like mission impossible. So, teaming up with roomies to stay close to work and college? Total no-brainer.
And it’s not just rent you’ll be splitting. You will also be splitting expenses such as utilities, maintenance fees, heck, even groceries. According to Fox Los Angeles, rooming up could save you a cool $500 a month—how’s that for a student budget boost?
With Diggz find LA co-living rooms starting as low as $600 and roomies renting out spots for as little as $580 in Central Los Angeles and beyond, these are deals you’d never score flying solo.
Los Angeles’s Cost of Living for Students on a Budget
Alright, let’s talk turkey—LA is the 9th most expensive city in the USA. So, what should you budget for living in LA? Well, rent and university tuition are going to be your biggest expenses, depending on where you choose to hang your hat and which university you enroll in.
But hold onto your hats, because other major expenses include transportation, meals and groceries, recreational activities, and more. For a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in LA, keep on reading.
Rent
Alright, let’s talk about one of the biggest expenses you’ll face as a college student living in Los Angeles: rent. Choosing where to hang your hat is crucial because rent will likely eat up a big chunk of your monthly budget.
So, what are we looking at here? Well, let’s break it down. In some of the common student neighborhoods, here’s what you can expect to fork out for a 1-bedroom apartment:
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- University Park: $2,725
- East Hollywood: $1,969
- West Hollywood:$3,300
- Santa Monica: $3,184
- Downtown: $2,760
- Westwood: $3,349
Now, since Los Angeles is teeming with college students, off-campus housing is a popular option. Moreover, shared housing and co-living options are like golden tickets to saving some serious dough.
Lastly, the nicer the neighborhood, the steeper the prices. But with roommates, you can snag a pad in a swankier area for roughly the same cost.
Utilities
According to Numbeo, the cost of utilities in LA for a standard 900 sq ft apartment would typically stay under $300. This covers the basics such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, totaling around $182.28. Additionally, internet costs can range up to $70.67.
When it comes to mobile phone plans, expect to pay between $35 and $85, depending on the carrier and the amount of data you desire. It’s all about finding the right fit for your needs and budget.
Transport
When we said Los Angeles is big, we weren’t kidding. Walking everywhere isn’t an option, so we’ve got some solid options to get you where you need to go.
First, you have the Metro system—buses, light rails, and subways—ready to whisk you across the city. Just check their website for schedules and plan your routes. You can pay for the rides by Tap Card or Apple Wallet. The standard fare for a metro ride in Los Angeles is $1.75, but for students, it’s just $1—score! Plus, there’s a fare cap: once you spend $5 in a day or $18 in a week, all additional rides are free!
Now, onto the motorized scooters: Bird and Lime. These bad boys are perfect for those short hops that are too far to walk but too close to drive. Need to zip from your workplace to the nearest transit hub? Just install the app, find a scooter nearby, scan the QR code, and you’re off. However, they’re pretty popular, so grabbing one after 9:00 p.m. can be a bit of a challenge. Bird starts at $1 plus $0.48 per minute, while Lime starts at $3 plus $0.38 per minute. If you’re taking a longer ride, Lime is the better choice. But for shorter trips, stick with Bird.
And of course, cars. Eventually, you will need your own set of wheels. Factor in expenses like gas ($5–$6 per gallon), car insurance (ranging between $67 and $200), and parking (typically $10–$20). Lastly, remember that the best time to navigate Los Angeles’s infamous traffic is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. After that, well, it’s every person for themselves on the roads.
Groceries
On average, if you’re cooking at home, expect to spend around $15 per person daily on food. For monthly groceries, budget anywhere from $300 to $400. But if dining out is more your vibe: plan around $7 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, and roughly $30 for dinner at an average restaurant.
When it comes to stocking up, Los Angeles locals swear by spots like Trader Joe’s or Aldi’s for affordable groceries. For nonperishable items Foods 4 Less has got you covered, although it’s not the go-to for fresh produce. Then there’s Vons, with locations scattered across Los Angeles. And for those in Downtown Los Angeles, Smart & Final Extra is a stellar choice—think of it as your go-to for local, budget-friendly shopping, beating out the likes of Target or Ralphs any day.
Entertainment
Affordable Eats
Alright, let’s fuel up without emptying our wallets! Tacos are the go-to for a quick, cheap lunch fix in LA. Swing by Leo’s Taco Truck for their legendary $2 tacos, scattered across five locations in Los Angeles. Trust us, it’s a must-try!
Craving something heartier? Liu’s Cafe serves up the best rice bowls in town for around $10, paired perfectly with their famous Peach Iced Tea for just $5. It’s a short drive from both University Park and Downtown.
For a flavor-packed Indian dinner, Zam Zam Market’s Biryani near Santa Monica will hit the spot. And after a night out Downtown, satisfy your late-night ramen cravings at Shin Sen Gumi.
Head to Win-Dow near Santa Monica for some delicious smashburgers priced at just $4.25. And if you find yourself in Central Los Angeles, locals swear by Dino’s Famous Chicken near Downtown LA—a meal fit for royalty at just $14.95.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
Alright, buckle up because, in Los Angeles, some experiences are practically a rite of passage. You absolutely cannot call yourself an Angeleno without ticking these off your list.
First up, hike along Griffith Park for those iconic Hollywood sign selfies, or catch some rays at Venice Beach.
Living in LA means you’re in the sports capital of the US. With a home city boasting some of the most successful teams, there are plenty of thrilling matches held year-round. Be sure to catch your favorite Dodgers in action at Dodger Stadium, and cheer on the Lakers and Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, both located in Downtown LA.
Now that you’ve officially earned your Angeleno stripes, let’s dive into some other quintessential LA experiences. Catch an outdoor movie screening at Cinespia in Hollywood—it’s like a picnic and a movie rolled into one. Grab a basket and some pals and enjoy!
Oh, and let’s not forget about surfing lessons at Santa Monica Beach—nothing screams “local” like hanging ten in the Pacific. Looking for an affordable gym? LA Fitness and YMCA have got you covered. With locations all over LA, they charge around $500 per year, making it roughly $40 per month.
And when it’s time to hang out with friends, why not catch an improv show? The Laugh Factory and Hollywood Improv, located near WeHo, guarantee a night of fun.
So, there you have it—awesome hiking spots, stunning beaches, top-notch museums, and endless adventures—all for a fraction of the cost.
That’s the beauty of living in Los Angeles—there’s always something new to discover!
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Living it Up in Los Angeles
Whatever sparked your move to Los Angeles—whether it was the allure of La La Land or the promise of an education at one of Los Angeles’s esteemed colleges (let’s be real, it’s probably a bit of both), you’ve made a stellar choice and this is just the beginning.
Sure, we’ve all heard the tales of Los Angeles’s steep cost of living, but fear not! With savvy tips like snagging student discounts on transport, mastering the art of budgeting, sharing expenses with roomies, and scoring prime housing in optimal locations, you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.
From the electric vibe of Downtown to the upscale charm of Westwood, there’s a college community waiting to welcome you home—all within your student budget.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether diving into coliving or seeking off-campus student housing in LA, hundreds of potential LA roomies eagerly awaiting your sign-up. It’s time to kickstart that roommate search and embark on your Los Angeles adventure!