- You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in LA for about $2,677 a month.
- You’ll pay around $179 a month for utilities like electric, gas, water, and trash.
- Local movers typically charge $395 to $600 for a studio and $2,100 or more for a four-bedroom home.
- If you love trendy boutiques and nightlife, Silver Lake and West Hollywood fit your lifestyle.
- Santa Monica suits you if you want a walkable area close to the beach.
- You’ll need a car to get around LA comfortably. Public transportation doesn’t cover the whole city.
- Aim for a monthly salary of at least $5,500 (or about $66,000 a year) to live comfortably.
One in five Americans says they want to live in Los Angeles, California, and we totally understand why.
LA has a lot to offer. It’s got beautiful weather year-round and a laid-back culture. And there’s easy access to the entertainment industry, celebrities, and tech startup jobs.
During our decades of experience as professional movers, Los Angeles has been one of the most popular destinations we’ve helped people move to. That’s why we also know that moving and settling here can be tricky.
If you’ve decided to make L.A. your new home, we’re here to help. We’re sharing a few tips below to help you land on your feet in the City of Angels.
Prepare Your Budget
Our cost of living in LA vs. NYC guide says Los Angeles is more affordable than New York. However, LA is still considerably more expensive compared to other places in the United States.
To thrive in Los Angeles, you’ll need to learn how to set a budget. Below you’ll find a list of average prices in LA. Keep these figures in mind as you search for a new home.
- Rent (1-Bedroom Apartment): $2,677 per month
- Home Price: $1,098,874
- Utility Costs (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash): $179 per month
- Gas Price: $5.09 per gallon
- Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant): $24 per person
If you’re low on cash, see our tips on how to move to Los Angeles with no money.
For a full breakdown of what to budget, see our guide on how much LA movers cost. And for a savings target before you go, see how much money to save before moving to LA.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to LA?
Costs will vary based on several factors, including distance, crew size, and the size of your home. That’s why it’s challenging for moving companies to give an exact figure without an in-person or virtual consultation.
But based on our experience, it’s usually anywhere between the following figures.
- Studio Apartment: $395 to $600
- 1-Bedroom: $495 to $800
- 2-Bedroom: $995 to $1,900
- 3-Bedroom: $1,595 to $3,500
- 4-Bedroom: $2,100+
Keep in mind that apartment sizes have different square footage, so quotes can go up or down.
Many moving companies in Los Angeles charge by the hour, especially for local residential moves. Rates vary by company and crew size, but around $150-$200 per hour for three movers and a truck is a reasonable current range. Specialty items such as pianos, pool tables, and particularly heavy furniture may incur additional fees or require specialized movers.
It’s harder to provide quotes for long-distance moves because distance becomes even more of a factor. To get a better idea, you’ll want to get a free quote. We can provide one if you’re doing a long-distance move from NYC to Los Angeles.
The best time to move is between October and April, often considered the off-peak season. Because there’s less demand for movers during these months, prices tend to be lower.
For a full cost breakdown by home size and move type, see our guide to LA movers costs.
Choose a Neighborhood
Another critical factor to consider when figuring out how to move to Los Angeles is which neighborhood you will call home.
For people who prioritize safety above everything else, we have a list of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. If you’re considering other factors, see which of the following neighborhoods will suit your lifestyle.
Best Neighborhoods in LA
Los Angeles County has plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from. We recommend checking out these options.
Silver Lake
Silver Lake offers both an urban and suburban feel, overlooking the beautiful lake it gets its name from. It’s known for its trendy boutiques, indie music scene, and all sorts of eclectic dining. Silver Lake is also considered a hub of L.A. hipster culture.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood (or WeHo) is also one of L.A.’s trendiest, most vibrant areas. It’s home to Santa Monica Boulevard (popular for its abundance of gay bars) among other attractions.
Echo Park
Echo Park is a hilly, predominantly Hispanic, and increasingly gentrified area. This vibrant neighborhood places you close to Dodger Stadium. It’s famous for its laid-back vibe and taco trucks.
Culver City
You’ll find Culver City to the west. It offers a unique mix of urban and suburban life. It’s ideal for anyone looking for diverse culture. Like Hollywood in its heyday, Culver City is famous for its film and TV production.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is abundant with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, a vibrant art scene, beaches, parks, and the Santa Monica Pier. Unlike most parts of LA, this area is very walkable.
Westside
The Westside is known for its museums and cultural destinations. Living here will bring you close to Malibu, a suburban sprawl that’s popular with retirees.
San Fernando Valley
To the north is San Fernando Valley (aka “the Valley”). This urbanized, upscale terrain is home to many stars. It’s got countless bars, clubs, shops, and some of L.A.’s finest dining.
South Bay
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean is South Bay. It’s home to the infamous oceanfront mini-city of Long Beach, the dense suburbs of Palos Verdes, and San Pedro. Here you’ll find beautiful parks, beaches, museums, and the Port of Los Angeles.
Both San Fernando Valley and South Bay offer suburban vibes. If you prefer to live outside the city proper, see our guide to the best suburbs of Los Angeles.
Hollywood
The iconic Hollywood is located in the heart of the entertainment industry. It’s also close to other LA neighborhoods. Before deciding to relocate here, see our complete guide to moving to Hollywood.
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is home to Hollywood stars. It has beautiful architecture, luxurious gardens, fountains, palm trees, shopping, dining, and all sorts of high-class fun. For the full picture on LA’s luxury neighborhoods, see our list of the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Learn more about the places we just mentioned in our best neighborhoods in Los Angeles guide.
Find a Place to Live
Finding a place in Los Angeles that fits your budget and checks all the boxes can be challenging. For example, do you want to live somewhere suburban? Or do you want to live right in the thick of it?
You’ll also need to think about transportation. We’ve seen hundreds of customers move to LA without a car, only to buy one within the first few weeks. It’s a challenging city to navigate if you don’t own a vehicle. If you don’t plan on owning a car, find a home with easy access to public transportation.
We’ve listed useful tools and tips to help you narrow down your search.
Best Apps/Resources
Finding a new home is more convenient these days because of apps and online marketplaces. Many people, including long-term Angelenos, use these to find listings.
Remember to always see a house or apartment in person before agreeing to live there. Taking a tour will allow you to check out the neighborhood, decide if you like the area (for example, is it close enough to downtown LA for you?), and, most importantly, make sure it’s safe and comfortable.
The Best Time to Search for a Place
You’ll find the best deals between November and January. Landlords tend to lower rent during winter because fewer people move during these months. And due to low demand, you’ll likely have more options to choose from.
Look for a Roommate
You can save money before moving to LA by finding a roommate before heading to the city. This will help offset the high rental and real estate costs, at least until you get settled.
Apps like those mentioned above often include listings from people looking for roommates. You can also use sites like Spare Room and RoomMatch.
Find a Job (Networking)
LA’s entertainment and fashion industries are often hiring. The medical sector has plenty of job openings. Restaurants, cafes, and bars are always looking for help. There’s no shortage of opportunities in Los Angeles. You just need to have the right connections to find them.
Networking Tips
How do you build your network after moving to LA?
- Join Networking Groups: Being part of a network allows you to meet new people. It also opens the door to opportunities that wouldn’t have been on your radar otherwise.
- Visit Coworking Spaces: Los Angeles offers many coworking spaces where professionals can connect and socialize. Visiting these places could help you learn about job openings that haven’t even been listed yet.
- Explore Online Job Boards: Connect with potential employers through LinkedIn and Reddit. Even if they’re not hiring now, it could lead to work opportunities several weeks or months from now.
Don’t forget to tell your friends on social media that you’re looking for work in LA. Some of them may know someone who’s hiring.
How Much Do You Need to Earn in LA?
To live comfortably in LA, you’ll want your salary to be around $5,500 a month (about $66,000/year). This should cover rent for a 1-bedroom apartment.
The rule of thumb is that you should spend around 30% of your monthly income on rent. Just keep in mind that the average income in Los Angeles can fluctuate depending on where you live. For example, wages in downtown LA can be different from Venice Beach.
Pros and Cons
If you’re still unsure about moving to LA, consider the following.
Pros
- Food and Exercise: There are tons of options for people who want to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Beaches: You’ll be close to Zuma Beach, Venice Beach, and Redondo Beach.
- Outdoor Activities: Hike to the Hollywood Sign, stroll through Runyan Canyon, or visit local markets like The Grove.
- Diversity: Meet plenty of new people from all over the world.
Cons
- Pollution: The air quality in Los Angeles isn’t great.
- Traffic: Going places can be rough, especially if you have to use the freeways.
- Distance: It takes a while to reach places given that Southern California spans over 500 square miles.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Lyft rides are more expensive compared to other places.
- Job Market: It can be brutal, especially if you’re trying to make it in the entertainment industry.
Moving from New York City? Compare the cost of living in LA vs. NYC.
Start Planning Your Move to the Los Angeles Area Today
Oz Moving & Storage can help you start fresh in Los Angeles. We offer moving and storage services for Los Angeles residents.
1797 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90058
(323) 796-0133
Cal-T #191468
We’ve been helping clients move for over 30 years and have an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. If you’re moving from New York to Los Angeles, talk to us about our long-distance moving services.
FAQs
How much does it cost to move to Los Angeles?
Local moves can range from $395 for a studio to $2,100 or more for a 4-bedroom home. Long-distance moves cost more. Costs depend on your home’s size and the distance of your move. Request a free quote from Oz Moving & Storage for an accurate estimate.
How much money should I save before moving to LA?
Save at least $5,000 to cover the initial rent and food. Beyond that, budget monthly for groceries, utilities, and internet. But keep in mind that you’ll have more cushion if you manage to save at least three times your monthly rent before you sign a lease.
What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles for newcomers?
Los Angeles has several great neighborhoods depending on your lifestyle. Silver Lake and West Hollywood offer trendy, vibrant scenes. Santa Monica is walkable and close to the beach. Culver City mixes urban and suburban living. San Fernando Valley and South Bay offer more suburban vibes.
Is Los Angeles more affordable than New York City?
Los Angeles is more affordable than New York City. However, LA is still considerably more expensive than most other places in the United States. You’ll want to budget carefully before making the move.
Do I need a car to live in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is tough to navigate without a car. Many people move to LA without one, only to buy a car within their first few weeks. If you don’t plan on owning a vehicle, look for a home near public transportation.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in LA?
To live comfortably in LA, aim for a monthly salary around $5,500, or about $66,000 a year. This should cover rent for a 1-bedroom apartment. A good rule of thumb is to spend about 30% of your income on rent.
Does Oz Moving offer moving services in Los Angeles?
Yes. Oz Moving & Storage offers moving and storage services for Los Angeles residents. The company has helped clients move for over 30 years and holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Oz Moving also provides long-distance moving services for those relocating from New York to LA.
