Introduction
Living in Los Angeles feels like stepping into a movie set — palm trees, beaches, big dreams, and busy streets. But while the city shines bright, the costs can feel heavy, especially for international students. The monthly cost of living in Los Angeles can surprise many first-timers if they’re not prepared. The living cost in Los Angeles for students includes everything from rent to transport, food, health insurance, and more. The cost of living in Los Angeles for one person depends a lot on the choices you make — where you live, how you commute, and even where you shop. The cost of living in Los Angeles for students also includes small day-to-day expenses like mobile bills, entertainment, and study supplies, which can easily add up. This blog will cover everything you need to know — from managing the average cost of living in Los Angeles per year to real-life tips that help you save smartly. So stick around, because we’re about to show you how living in Los Angeles can still be a dream come true, without burning a hole in your wallet!Get a personalized study abroad consultation today!
Cost of Living in Los Angeles for Students
Are you worried that rent alone will swallow your entire allowance? The living cost in Los Angeles for students can be different for everyone depending on where you live, how you travel, what you eat, and how you manage your expenses. Use these ranges as a simple guide to plan better.Housing (Shared Room)
- Monthly Range: $800 – $1,500
- Why It Matters: Housing is the largest part of the monthly cost of living in Los Angeles.
Transportation (Metro/TAP Card)
- Monthly Range: $50 – $100
- A Metro/TAP card enables seamless travel throughout Los Angeles unless you wish to purchase a personal vehicle.
Groceries
- Monthly Range: $300 – $500
- Why It Matters: Managing groceries well can reduce the cost of living in Los Angeles for students.
Dining-Out Treats
- Monthly Range: $100 – $200
- Why It Matters: Eating outside often can increase the cost of living in Los Angeles for one person.
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Wi-Fi)
- Monthly Range: $100 – $200
- The utility payments represent a vital expense that many people overlook in their monthly budget.
Health Insurance
- Monthly Range: $150 – $300
- An F-1 visa holder needs health insurance to maintain adequate healthcare coverage.
Personal Needs
- Monthly Range: $100 – $200
- Why It Matters: Covers mobile bills, toiletries, and other small personal expenses.
Entertainment and Events
- Monthly Range: $50 – $150
- Why It Matters: Entertainment is important for balance during studies.
Read More: Advantages of Moving Abroad for Studies in 2025
How to Budget Smartly for the cost of living in Los Angeles
Feeling clueless about monthly planning? Managing the average cost of living in Los Angeles per year begins with careful monthly planning. Tracking your expenses early on will prevent future financial problems.- Sears shared accommodations, along with university dorm rooms or homestays, will reduce your rent expenses by about 40 per cent.
- The student ID serves as an entrance to numerous price reductions, including health club memberships, movies, restaurants, and dental care outlets.
- Public transport availability through the U-Pass allows students to save considerable money rather than relying on taxis, because it costs $43 per semester.
- The practice of home cooking costs much less than restaurant dining does.
- You should monitor each dollar you spend by using programs including Mint and YNAB in addition to basic Google Sheets.
- Emergency Fund: Keep aside $500 to $1,000 for urgent needs like doctor visits or technical repairs.
- Rent + Utilities – $1,000
- Groceries – $350
- Transport – $75
- Fun & Miscellaneous – $100
- Insurance – $200
- Savings Buffer – $100
Join the Global Community! Explore Study Abroad Destinations to Kickstart Your International Education.
Best Areas to Live in LA for Students
Which zip code saves cash and stress? Finding the right place to live is very important. The correct neighbourhood can lower the cost of living in Los Angeles for one person more than any discount or special offer. Here are some popular choices for students:Westwood
- Why Students Pick It: Very safe area and close to UCLA.
- Shared-Room Rent: $1,200 – $1,800 per month.
- Commute Perks: Students can walk to classes without needing to spend on transport.
Koreatown
- Why Students Pick It: Affordable food and lively atmosphere.
- Shared-Room Rent: $800 – $1,300 per month.
- Commute Perks: Easy access to the Metro Purple Line.
Culver City
- Why Students Pick It: Clean area and close to many tech companies.
- Shared-Room Rent: $1,000 – $1,400 per month.
- Commute Perks: Good connection through the Expo Line.
North Hollywood
- Why Students Pick It: Creative environment and lower rents.
- Shared-Room Rent: $800 – $1,200 per month.
- Commute Perks: Easy travel with the B Line subway.
East Hollywood
- Why Students Pick It: Central location and diverse community.
- Shared-Room Rent: $900 – $1,300 per month.
- Commute Perks: Short bus rides to many parts of the city.
Important Tips for Choosing a Place
- Always check local crime maps for safety.
- Look for nearby grocery stores for easy shopping.
- Read lease agreements carefully to understand which utilities are included.
Read More: Discover Cost of Living in Texas for International Students
Hidden Costs That Inflate the cost of living in Los Angeles
Are hidden costs making the cost of living in Los Angeles higher than you expected? Many students plan for rent but often forget about other important costs like deposits, furniture, or late-night travel. The average cost of living in Los Angeles per year also includes:- Security Deposit: Usually one month’s rent paid before moving in.
- Furniture & Basics: $300 – $800 if the apartment does not have furniture.
- Utility Setup Fees: $50 – $150 for starting services like electricity, water, or internet.
- Textbooks: $200 – $600 per semester; it is better to buy used copies when possible.
- Medical Co-pays: $50 – $200 even if you already have health insurance.
- Ride-Shares After Midnight: $20 – $50 each time if you cannot use public transport late at night.
- Laundry Machines: $2–$3 per wash if there is no washing machine in the apartment.
- Tips & Taxes: In restaurants, it is normal to add 15–20% extra to the bill for tips.
Read More: Long Island University: Rankings, fees and more
Cost of Living in Los Angeles vs Ivy League Cities
Is Los Angeles really the most expensive, or do Ivy League cities cost even more? Many students believe that Los Angeles is the most expensive city in America. However, when compared to Boston, New York, or Philadelphia, the cost of living in Los Angeles offers some pleasant surprises.Housing Costs
- Los Angeles: $800 – $1,500 for a shared room.
- Boston/New York/Philadelphia: $1,200 – $2,500 for shared housing.
- Key Point: Housing is much cheaper in Los Angeles, which lowers the cost of living in Los Angeles for students.
Transportation Costs
- Los Angeles: $50 – $100 for a monthly Metro or TAP pass.
- Boston/New York/Philadelphia: $80 – $150 for a transport pass.
- Key Point: Public transport is more affordable in Los Angeles, helping control the monthly cost of living in Los Angeles.
Grocery Costs
- Los Angeles: $300 – $500 per month.
- Boston/New York/Philadelphia: $400 – $700 per month.
- Key Point: Groceries are slightly cheaper in Los Angeles, lowering daily expenses.
Read More: GRE vs SAT: Key Differences Explained
Dining Out
- Los Angeles: $10 – $20 per meal.
- Boston/New York/Philadelphia: $15 – $30 per meal.
- Key Point: Eating out costs less in Los Angeles, making the living cost in Los Angeles for students more manageable.
Fun and Entertainment
- Los Angeles: $50 – $150 per month.
- Boston/New York/Philadelphia: $100 – $300 per month.
- Key Point: Entertainment is cheaper in Los Angeles compared to Ivy League cities.
Weather and Other Costs
- Los Angeles: Light jackets are enough year-round.
- Boston/New York/Philadelphia: Heavy winter coats and heating bills add extra costs.
- Key Point: Los Angeles’ mild weather saves students money on winter gear and heating.
Check Out: 1 Year Master Program in USA: Complete Guide
Scholarships That Shrink the Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Can the right scholarship make living in Los Angeles much cheaper? Scholarships help reduce tuition fees and also make it easier to manage the average cost of living in Los Angeles per year. When tuition fees are lower, students can save more for rent, groceries, and daily needs.University Awards
- UCLA Regents Scholarship – Offers a big tuition discount and is highly respected.
- UCLA International Undergraduate Scholarship – Provides financial help based on merit for international students.
- USC Trustee Scholarship – Full tuition scholarship for students with top academic performance.
- USC Presidential Scholarship – Covers half of the tuition for students with strong academic records.
- CSULA President’s Scholars Program – Includes full tuition support along with a living stipend.
External Grants
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Covers full costs for graduate studies, including living expenses.
- AAUW International Fellowships (for women) – Supports women pursuing master’s or PhD degrees.
- Rotary Global Grants – Offers funding for research projects or academic courses.
- Los Angeles Consular Corps Scholarships – Financial aid linked to different international consulates.
Application Tips
- Apply at least eight months before the program start date.
- Write strong and clear personal essays.
- Highlight volunteering, leadership, and community service in your application.
Check out: Best Courses to Learn Machine Learning 2025
English Tests and the cost of living in Los Angeles
Scared of exam fees and score hurdles? Before applying for a visa, students must clear English language tests. Choosing the right exam is important because retaking tests can increase the cost of living in Los Angeles for students.Common English Tests for Students
TOEFL iBT
-
- Common Score (UG): 80 – 100
- Common Score (PG): 90 – 105
- Fee: Around $250
- Acceptance: Accepted by almost all universities.
IELTS Academic
-
- Common Score (UG): 6.5 – 7
- Common Score (PG): 6.5 – 7.5
- Fee: Around $280
- Acceptance: Accepted worldwide.
Read More: Guide to Statement of Purpose for University Admission
Duolingo English Test
-
- Common Score (UG): 105 – 120
- Common Score (PG): 115 – 125
- Fee: $59
- Acceptance: Growing fast, accepted by many universities.
PTE Academic
-
- Common Score (UG): 58 – 65
- Common Score (PG): 60 – 68
- Fee: Around $200
- Acceptance: Accepted by many private universities.
Tips to Save Money and Time
- Register early to get a test date in your hometown.
- Take free mock tests to practice.
- Focus more on Speaking and Writing sections, where Indian students usually need extra practice.
Read More: Duolingo vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which Test is Right for You?
Top AI Tools That Guard Your Wallet Against the cost of living in Los Angeles
Can smart AI tools really help you manage the high cost of living in Los Angeles better? AI helps make budgeting easier by turning numbers into clear dashboards and protecting the cost of living in Los Angeles for one person from unnecessary spending.Best AI Tools for Students
- Mint
- Connects to all your bank cards.
- Shows easy-to-read charts and graphs.
- Sends alerts when you spend more than your limit.
- YNAB (You Need A Budget)
- Gives every dollar a specific job.
- Great tool for students who plan to work during their studies.
- Helps in tracking monthly savings and spending goals.
- PocketGuard
- Calculates how much money you can safely spend after paying your fixed bills.
- Helps you avoid overspending without needing to check your account every day.
- Cleo
- Works like a chatbot and talks in a friendly way.
- Jokes, reminds you to save, and warns when you start spending more than usual.
- Goodbudget
- Uses a digital “envelope” system where you divide your money for different expenses.
- Very easy for students who like to manage money visually like in the cash-envelope style.
Read More: Get into Your Dream College with Study Abroad Scholarships
Conclusion
In 2025, the cost of living in Los Angeles might seem high, but with smart planning, it can become manageable. Sharing flats, using budgeting apps, and winning scholarships can lower many costs. Careful budgeting helps you control your spending, while early planning gives you more chances to save. Tools like Mint and PocketGuard make it easier to track money every day. Scholarships reduce tuition fees and free up money for rent, food, and transport. With the right steps, Los Angeles can turn into a place full of learning, career growth, and golden opportunities for every student. If you wish to study abroad and want further assistance with that our international education experts at Gateway international who can help guide you throughout your study abroad journey & avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in USA, study in UK, study in Singapore, study in Switzerland, study in Australia, study in New Zealand and many other countries.
