Cost of Living in Los Angeles for Students: 2026

Moving to a new country for studies is exciting, but managing finances may feel overwhelming sometime. LA is one of the most beautiful yet expensive student cities compared to other in the United States. The cost of living in Los Angeles is 50% higher than the national average. However, with smart planning and the right student housing selection in Los Angeles, you can manage your cost of living in Los Angeles well. 

On average, the cost of living in Los Angeles for students ranges between $1,800 and $3,500 per month. The biggest expense in any city is accommodation, but with the right student housing, you can stay under budget. 

In this blog, we will break down every expense for you including rent, food, transport, utilities, hidden costs, and even how much you can earn from part-time jobs. We will also share practical tips to save money and introduce you to the best student housing USA options. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what student life in the “City of Angels” costs. 

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Los Angeles 

If we talk about numbers, the cost of living in Los Angeles for students is between $1,800 and $3,500 per month. Whether you land on this or not depends on three things such as where you live, what are your eating habits, and how you party. 

Housing is the biggest slice of your budget, taking about 50-60% of the number. Students who choose shared student housing in LA spend less than those who prefer a private studio apartment Los Angeles. The international students’ cost of living in Los Angeles also depends on whether they cook meals at home or eating out daily. 

The good news for you all is that LA is walkable in many neighborhoods providing easy daily commutes. Students living close to universities can save hundreds in travel. 

Here is a monthly estimate of cost of living in Los Angeles students: 

Important tip: These numbers assume a balanced student life with some nights out, some homely meals, and an affordable commute.  

Want a Los Angeles budget tailored to you? Use University Living’s Cost of Living Calculator to get an accurate monthly estimate. 

Student Housing Costs in Los Angeles 

We all know that housing will be the biggest expense in any city. But it is also where you have the most control. The choice you make here can directly affect your travel, social life, and study experience. 

Many international students want purpose-built student housing (PBSA) for good reasons. These are secure, fully furnished, and come as all-inclusive student housing in Los Angeles. No surprise bills at the end of the month, just one monthly payment and peace of mind. 

The average rent in Los Angeles for students ranges from $800 to $1,900 per month. That is quite a good range because LA offers everything, from budget-friendly shared rooms to luxury high-rises. 

Types of Student Housing in Los Angeles 

Finding the best student housing in Los Angeles is more like finding the perfect pair of jeans it needs to fit your body (budget) and your style (lifestyle). Here are some housing options for you: 

Purpose-Built Student Housing (PBSA) 

Think of PBSA as the VIP section of student housing. These are modern buildings that come with on-site staff, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, study areas, gyms, and regular social activities. Most properties on University Living are PBSAs, and their average monthly rent is around $1,170 to $2,670 

• Studio Apartments 

This is your private living full of comfort. A studio offers you your personal bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom. No sharing, No compromises. It is perfect for postgraduates, couples, or anyone who values peace, and it costs between $1,500 to $2,600 per month. 

• En-suite Rooms 

The right option for you, that is not too private, not too social. Here you get your own bedroom and attached bathroom, but you share the kitchen and living area with other flatmates. It is the most likeable choice among international students. Average monthly rent of en-suite rooms   goes upto $1,150–$ 1,600. 

• Shared Apartments 

This is the budget champion for you. Here students can share everything like a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room. It is the cheapest housing option available and best for extroverts and students who prefer community over privacy. In shared apartments, rent falls between $600–$1,200 per month. 

Private Apartments 

This is suitable for the independent soul. Private apartments are standard apartments rented directly from landlords. Here you will get full freedom, but you also need to pay for utilities separately and handle maintenance. These apartments cost between $2,000–$3,500. 

Still unsure which type fits you well? Here is a comparison table of cost of living in Los Angeles for students based on housing type: 

Best Student Areas to Live in Los Angeles 

Where you live in Los Angeles is not only about rent, but it is more of your entire study experience. Choose the right student housing, and you will have a short travel distance, great food, and a lively night scene of LA nearby. Here are some of the best student areas in Los Angeles for students: 

Budget-Friendly Areas ($1,200–$1,800 per month) 

Koreatown (K-Town) 

• Average Rent is $1,200–$1,800 

• Nearby Universities are both USC and UCLA  

• Travel via Metro B/D Lines and frequent buses 

• Key Highlights of areas include 24/7 energy, incredible Korean BBQ and neon-lit streets. K-Town never sleeps, and neither will your social life. 

• Student Hangouts spots are Document Coffee Bar, Coffee MCO, late-night karaoke space 

University Park (Near USC) 

• Average Rent is between $1,300–$900 

• Nearby University is University of Southern California (USC) 

• Travel via Walk score of 88 and Metro E Line (Expo) 

• Key highlights include Historic Victorian mansions to meet modern student life. One of the most heavily patrolled neighborhoods in LA, so safety is a must. 

• Student Hangouts spots are Dulce, Nature’s Brew, Amoeba Coffee 

Mid-Range Areas (1,800–1,800–2,800 per month) 

Westwood (Near UCLA) 

• Average Rent falls between $1,800–$2,800 

• Nearby University is University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 

• Travel via Metro D Line Extension and BruinBus 

• Key highlights include the “Gold Standard” for UCLA students, Mediterranean architecture, tree-lined streets, and good academic energy. 

• Student Hangout spots such as Upside Down, Ministry of Coffee and Espresso Profeta 

North Hollywood (NoHo) 

• Average Rent is cost between $1,600 to $2,200 

• Nearby Universities are CSUN and UCLA 

• Travel via Metro B Line (Red) terminus 

• Key highlights include district art growing student scene. More affordable than Westwood, with creative and laid-back energy. 

• Student Hangout spots are Republic of Pie, Federal Bar, NoHo Arts District 

Premium Areas ($2,500–$4,500+ per month) 

Santa Monica 

• Average Rent falls out between $2,500–$4,000+ 

• Nearby University is UCLA, around 6miles  

• Travel via Metro E Line (Expo) 

• Key highlights include beachside living, sunsets, surfing, and vibrant pier.  

• Student Hangouts spots such as Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Pier, and Main Street cafes 

Beverly Hills 

• Average Rent is between $2,800–$4,500+ 

• Nearby University is UCLA within short drive 

• Travel via Well-connected bus 

• Student Hangout spots include Think palm trees, designer stores, and celebrity neighbors.  

Popular Student Housing Options in Los Angeles 

Finding the right housing in LA for students may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But no need to worry, here are some verified student accommodation options in Los Angeles options that you will love. 

Hilgard Ave 

• Starting from: Around $995 per month 

• Room Types: Studio rooms, En-suite, Shared housing 

• Best For: Students who prefer student housing near UCLA 

• Nearby University: Walking distance to UCLA (approx.13 minutes) 

• Key Amenities: Fully furnished, with high-speed Wi-Fi, study areas and secure entry 

Why students love it: Location, location, and location. You can just roll out of your bed and be in the classroom in 10 minutes only. 

The Lorenzo 

• Starting from: Approx $799 per month 

• Room Types: Studios and En-suite 

• Best For: Students who want premium housing 

• Nearby University: At 20 minutes distance from USC via public transport 

• Key Amenities: Rooftop pool, gym, cinema room, study lounges and all-inclusive bills 

Why students love it: Lorenzo is not just housing, it is a lifestyle. It has its own pool parties, a study room, and a community that feels like family. 

Heritage 1275 

• Starting from: Around $850 per month 

• Room Types: Studio rooms and En-suite 

• Best For: Students who likes modern and stylish housing 

• Nearby University: At 14 minutes’ walk to USC 

• Key Amenities: Access to Gym, study spaces, social lounges and secure entry 

Why students love it: The design is modern, with luxury amenities, and central location. 

Orion 1192 35th 

• Starting from: Approx $800 per month 

• Room Types: Studios and En-suite living 

• Best For: Students who seek luxury housing near USC 

• Nearby University: Just 12-14 minutes’ walk to USC campus 

• Key Amenities: Fully furnished, secure entry, social spaces, and all-inclusive bills 

Why students love it: It combines both privacy with community. Here you get your own space and comfort 

Food & Grocery Costs in Los Angeles 

Here is a secret that will help you save more on your cost of living in Los Angeles every month, Cook at home. Los Angeles has amazing food, but eating out daily will drain your budget faster. The cost of food here ranges between $350 to $500 per month. But if you shop practically and cook your own food, you can keep it closer to $350.  

Where to shop for cheap groceries: 

• Trader Joe’s & Aldi: It is budget student’s best friends. Good for basics, frozen food, and healthy snacks. 

• Ralphs & Vons: This is a Mid-range grocery with loyalty card discounts. 

• 99 Ranch Market: It is amazing for Asian groceries and affordable products. 

• Food 4 Less: True to its name, this is where you go for bulk buying at a lower price. 

Student discounts for food: 

• UNiDAYS & Student Beans offer discounts at restaurants such as Chipotle, Panda Express, and other delivery apps. 

• Too Good to Go: It helps you get surplus food from restaurants at 70% off. A real gamechanger for students with a tight budget. 

LA food experiences on a budget: 

• Food trucks: LA is famous for food trucks including Tacos for 2−3,KoreanBBQburritosfor2−3, and KoreanBBQburritosfor10. 

• Koreatown: It has some Incredible banchan (side dishes) that are free with your meal. 

• Farmer’s markets: It offer fresh produce at reasonable prices on weekends. 

Here is the cost of food in Los Angeles breaks down: 

Important tip: Prepare your own food; a few hours of cooking can save you $100+ every month. 

Transportation Costs in Los Angeles 

Let us address the big cat in the room, LA is famous for its traffic. But here is what you are not aware of – as a student, you do not need to drive. The city has been investing highly in public transport, and you can save your cost of living in Los Angeles by using it. 

The transportation cost in Los Angeles for students using public transit is $100 to $150 per month. That is a fraction of what car owners pay for gas, insurance, and parking. 

Your student travel toolkit include: 

• U-Pass: It is offered by some universities. You’ll get Unlimited rides on Metro for a discounted semester fee. 

• Student Reduced Fare TAP Card: Using this you can get Up to 50% off on Metro buses and trains. 

• DASH Buses: It is free for students with a valid TAP card. Beneficial for short trips within neighborhoods. 

Major Metro lines you can use: 

• Line E (Expo): It is a student express which connects Downtown LA to Santa Monica and covers USC and access to UCLA. 

• Line B (Red): It connects Union Station to North Hollywood. Good for accessing K-Town and Hollywood. 

• Line D (Purple) Extension: This is brand new station at Wilshire/La Brea, making UCLA more accessible. 

Walking and cycling: 
Westwood and University Park are highly walkable areas. Student housing near UCLA or close to USC can eliminate your travel costs entirely. 

Below is your monthly transport expense: 

Important tip: Live close to your campus. The money you save on travel expenses can go toward better living or more tacos. 

Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Los Angeles 

Nobody talks about utility bills until they get the first one. Then suddenly, everyone cares. In Los Angeles, electricity can be expensive, especially in summer. If you choose all-inclusive student accommodation in Los Angeles, you can skip this worry completely. Because most PBSAs include Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and gas in the rent. 

But if you rent a private living, here is what utility bills look like in LA: 

Why all-inclusive rent is a lifesaver: 

• No surprise bills when summer hits. 

• No arguments with flat mates for electricity 

• One payment and less headache. 

Mobile tips for international students: 

• Use Mint Mobile or Visible for prepaid plans from $15-25 per month. 

• Use T-Mobile as it offers good student discounts on unlimited plans. 

• Use ULInfinity International SIM and arrive with data on day one. No hunting for a store after moving to the city. 

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Los Angeles 

A part-time job can change your entire budget. On an F-1 student visa; you can work up to 20 hours weekly on campus during the semester and full-time during holidays. The average student hourly wage in Los Angeles is $16 to $22 per hour, which is well above the minimum wage. 

Where students work in LA: 

• Retail as it gives $16-18/hour including Think Target, Best Buy, or the Grove. 

• Hospitality, this gives upto $16-20/hour + tips. Work at Restaurants, cafes, and bars in Westwood or USC Village. 

• Campus jobs give approx. $17-22/hour including Library assistant, research aide, and tour guide.  

• Delivery as it offers $18-25/hour with platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. It is flexible but requires a bike or a car. 

Here is the job and student income overview for you: 

Can part-time work cover your living costs? 

Partially, it’s a yes. A student earning $18/hour for 20hours per week makes around $1,440 monthly. That can cover your rent in a shared apartment and some groceries. 

Where to find student jobs: 

• Your university’s career portal as UCLA or USC has good job boards 

• Handshake app especially designed for students 

• Walking into shops and restaurants with a resume  

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss 

Let’s talk about the expenses that no one warns you about. The “hidden costs” catch every international student off guard. But not you because you are reading this. 

Here are some hidden costs students miss: 

This is how ULInfinity helps you avoid any surprises: 

• International money transfers to lower fees than banks when sending money from home. 

• Room essentials kit with everything you need for your new room. No last-minute runs. 

• Health insurance with comprehensive coverage for international students. 

• Airport pickup offering safe, affordable travel from LAX to your new home. 

• Flight tickets for student discounts on flights to LA. 

• Guarantor service for students provides US-based guarantor to secure housing. 

• Student bank account for Guidance on opening a US account without a Social Security Number. 

Important tip: Set $800−$1,200 aside before you arrive in LA for one-time setup costs. Your first month will be expensive, so plan for it. 

Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Los Angeles 

Living in Los Angeles on a student budget is not about deprivation; it’s about smart choices. Here is how students can easily make their cost of living in Los Angeles work: 

• Share housing: Splitting a 4-bedroom apartment can bring your rent down  

• Book early: The best cheap student housing Los Angeles gets booked by March. Early birds can save $100−$300 per month. 

• Live near campus: Student housing near UCLA or student housing near USC eliminates your travel costs. Just walk or bike to class. 

• Choose all-inclusive rent: Many all-inclusive student housing in Los Angeles includes Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and even gym access. 

• Cook at home: A week of home-cooked meals costs $40-$60. Eating out costs the same for 2-3 meals. So, prepare homely meals. 

• Use student discounts: Through UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and your student ID you get 10-50% off everything. 

• Use public transport: The U-Pass or Student TAP Card saves you hundreds of dollars. 

• Buy second-hand: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Goodwill provide you with cheap furniture, textbooks, and kitchen items.  

• Walk or cycle: The city is becoming more bike friendly. A $200 second-hand bike pays for itself within 2-3 months. 

• Use the Cost of Living Calculator: Before you arrive here, run your numbers. Know exactly what you can afford in LA. 

Is Los Angeles Affordable for International Students? 

The honest answer to the question is that it depends on your expectations. 

If you expect a private studio, daily smoothie bowls, and Uber rides everywhere then it’s a big no. But if you are willing to share an apartment, cook meals at home, and use the Metro then off course LA is affordable, you can live comfortably on $1,800−$3,000 per month. 

Here is a comparison of LA to other major US student cities: 

Who is LA perfect for? 

• Students pursuing careers in entertainment, film, music, or creative arts 

• Those who want sunshine, beach access, and a vibrant social scene 

• International students who value strong alumni networks (UCLA and USC have powerful connections worldwide) 

• Students willing to work part-time to offset costs 

• Those planning to study in top universities as per QS World University Rankings: USA 

Conclusion 

Los Angeles is not for everyone. It is loud and expensive.  But for the right student, the dreamer, the one who wants to study at UCLA or USC, Los Angeles works like magic. The cost of living in Los Angeles is quite high, but so are the returns. The internships offer, the networking events, the alumni connections, and the vibrant energy of this city are unmatched. 

With University Living, finding the right student housing California becomes easy and simple. And with ULInfinity, everything else including international SIM cards to airport pickup.  

Frequently Asked Questions