- The median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is $2,434
- Los Angeles is currently the seventh most expensive city for rent in the U.S.
Moving to California can come with a high price tag, which makes finding the most affordable places to live in Los Angeles a priority for most. Every year, thousands of people move into the sunny city of Los Angeles from across the globe to find new adventures and pursue their dreams. Whether you’re looking for a job, a crazy Friday night out, or a quiet escape from all the buzz, the City of Angeles has it all.
As you’d expect of such a busy city, LA also has a reputation of being quite pricey — especially when it comes to housing.Los Angeles is ranked 7 on the top 10 list of most expensive rent prices, with the average cost of a 1 bedroom apartment priced at $2,434 per month. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any affordable places to live in or around Los Angeles.
The 7 cheapest places to live in Los Angeles
With a bit of research and a little perseverance, you’ll be surprised at how many affordable neighborhoods there are in LA. Here’s our list of the top 7 cheapest places to live in and around Los Angeles.
- Lancaster
- Panorama City
- Palmdale
- Lakeview Terrace
- Paramount
- Cudahy
- Carson
Lancaster
With approximately 159,000 residents, Lancaster has a median income value of $50,193 and an average 1-bedroom rent of about $1,500. It’s located in the Antelope Valley, slightly towards the northern end of LA. The town’s location makes it ideal for renters who want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle without being too far away from its amenities.
It has several prominent public and private schools, including more than 12 campuses. The largely middle-class neighborhood also hosts the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. This 1,700-acre reserve is one of the most acclaimed state parks in California, providing a perfect space for leisure rides, wildlife viewing, and a quiet disconnect from the busy city. Residents shop at the Lancaster Marketplace, which is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the city.
Panorama City
Panorama City is one of the most affordable cities near Los Angeles. It’s situated in the San Fernando Valley, about 18.9 miles from Los Angeles by road. Panorama is home to about 39,335 people, the majority of which are young adults.
Panorama’s median gross income is $66,293. It has an average apartment rent of $1,500.
Palmdale
Also found north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert, Palmdale is one of the most affordable places near LA to live. Palmdale, also known as Lancaster’s twin city, has an average rent of about $1,600.
The town covers around 106 square miles, within which there are close to 40 affordable neighborhoods. It allows residents to relish the beautiful desert landscape without feeling disconnected from the city.
Palmdale is quite famous for its exciting lifestyle. If you are not having a family day out at Little Rock Recreation, you could be flexing your muscles hiking at the slopes of Mountain High Ski Resort. There’s just so much to do in Palmdale, even deep within a desert.
Lakeview Terrace
This San Fernando Valley neighborhood has a living index value of 125 and is home to approximately 14,460 people. Lakeview Terrace offers more affordable housing options compared to other neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The area features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, providing options for various budgets. Renting or buying a home in Lakeview Terrace can be more affordable compared to other parts of the city. It has a gross median salary of $63,338 and average monthly rent of $1,800. Lakeview Terrace is very safe — it has an average crime rate of 2,092 per 100,000 people.
Paramount
Paramount is a vibrant and diverse city and one of the most affordable places to live in Los Angeles. Located by South Gate and Long Beach, the neighborhood hosts about 54,000 people and boasts an average apartment rent of $1,800. Thanks to its relatively low population, the city is a perfect destination for renters seeking an affordable, secluded suburban neighborhood.
Like most places in Los Angeles, Paramount has several amenities and fun spots. From a Bicycle Path along the Los Angeles River to the renowned Spane Park, top-tier restaurants and bars, over ten public parks, a public library, and more, the city is self-sufficient.
Cudahy
Cudahy is the most affordable city to live in Los Angeles county. Despite being the second-smallest city in Los Angeles, Cudahy has one of the highest population densities across the U.S. While Cudahy is part of the larger Los Angeles metropolitan area, its affordability relative to neighboring cities makes it an attractive place to live. It’s home to roughly 24,000 people, has a median home price of $472,423, and a relatively low average apartment rent of about $1,200.
The southeastern LA’s incorporated city also boasts one of the best school systems nationwide. What’s more — its average cost of living is way under the statewide average, making it one of California’s most affordable neighborhoods.
Carson
For renters concerned about an easy commute between Downtown Los Angeles and their residences, Carson is your best shot. This suburban neighborhood is found less than 20 miles from the city and is one of the most affordable places to live in LA. It will cost you an average of $2,623 to rent an apartment here. The town’s median gross income is $72,235, hence a house-rent-to-income ratio of 0.018, making it quite an affordable neighborhood.
Carson hosts the Dignity Health Sports Park, the home ground to the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll get to enjoy live matches right in your backyard. Carson has over 19 schools, a public transport system, gated communities, several shopping centers, and all the amenities that you’d expect from a suburban neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most affordable suburb of Los Angeles?
Victor Heights, Crenshaw, and North Valley are among the most affordable suburbs of Los Angeles?
What is the median income in Los Angeles?
According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the median income for Los Angeles County as of 2022 is $91,100.
What qualifies as low income in Los Angeles?
The HCD lists low income as 80 percent of state non-metropolitan median family income. In Los Angeles country, the low income annual threshold for a single person household is $66,750.
What are the best places to live in Los Angeles?
Some of the most popular neighborhoods in LA include West Hollywood, Greater Wilshire, and Mid-City West.
Are there any government or community programs that assist with affordable housing in Los Angeles?
Yes, there are government programs and non-profit organizations that provide assistance with affordable housing in Los Angeles. Some examples include the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) and the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).
Are there any affordable neighborhoods near downtown Los Angeles?
While downtown Los Angeles itself tends to have higher housing costs, some nearby neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and El Sereno offer relatively more affordable options.
Are there any cheaper beachside neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
While beachside neighborhoods in Los Angeles can be expensive, areas like San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City offer more affordable options while still providing proximity to the coast.
Are there any affordable options for students near universities in Los Angeles?
Yes, neighborhoods like Westwood near UCLA, Northridge near CSUN, and Exposition Park near USC can offer more affordable living options for students attending these universities.
How can I determine if a neighborhood is affordable for my budget?
It’s important to consider your income, budget, and personal financial situation when evaluating affordability. Researching median housing prices, rental rates, and cost of living indexes can help gauge affordability in different neighborhoods.
What are some tips for saving money on housing costs in Los Angeles?
Consider alternative housing options like shared rentals, co-living spaces, or renting a room in someone’s home. Additionally, expanding your search to nearby suburbs or considering smaller-sized units can help reduce housing costs.
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