Updated: 14/10/2025 · Reading: 7–9 min · For: movers, creatives/tech, students and families
LA is spread-out and car-friendly, but rail/bus corridors can work—especially near jobs. A realistic per-person monthly budget is €1,600–€3,200 (rent included).
Quick summary
- Rent: room €900–€1,400 · central studio €1,800–€2,600 · 1-bed €2,200–€3,200
- Transport: monthly pass per current fares (Metro Rail + bus)
- Groceries: €260–€430/month · Utilities: €110–€190/month
- Savings shortcut: live 20–35 min from DTLA/Santa Monica with solid bus/rail to cut rent 10–25%
Housing (areas at a glance)
- Premium: Santa Monica, Venice, West Hollywood, Downtown core
- Balanced: Culver City, North Hollywood, Pasadena, Mar Vista
- Value with connection: Koreatown, Valley Village, El Sereno
Viewing checklist
- Measure door-to-door time at rush hour.
- Check parking, A/C, noise and lease clauses.
- Ask about utilities and building amenities.
Transport
- Metro + buses cover key axes; a car still helps in many cases (parking costs vary).
- Prioritize faster lines and avoid multi-transfer commutes.
Food, utilities, leisure
- Groceries €260–€430 · Utilities €110–€190
- Cinema: €12–€18 · Gym: €35–€70/month
Monthly budgets (rent included)
| Profile | Rent | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared room | €1,150 | €420–€520 | €1,570–€1,670 |
| Central studio | €2,200 | €480–€620 | €2,680–€2,820 |
| 1-bed | €2,700 | €500–€650 | €3,200–€3,350 |
Tip: if you WFH several days, moving a few stops further can keep total time similar while saving on rent.
Fast area picks
- Urban: DTLA, West Hollywood
- Value: Culver City, North Hollywood, Pasadena
- Families: Santa Monica (pricey), Mar Vista, Pasadena
- Creative/tech: Playa Vista, Venice, Arts District
Hidden costs & tips
- Parking, insurance, building amenities.
- Plan weekly meals, measure door-to-door, consider a pass if >40 trips/month.
FAQ
Is a car mandatory in LA? Helpful, but living near work and using Metro on key corridors can keep costs and time down.
How much to live alone? €2,600–€3,300/month for a 1-bed outside the hyper-center.
Links: Los Angeles page · Compare · LA vs San Francisco