Living in Los Angeles can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little bit of planning and some creativity, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for how to afford to live in Los Angeles on a budget:
Take advantage of free events and activities: Los Angeles is full of free events and activities, from outdoor concerts and festivals to museum days and art walks. Keep an eye out for free events in your neighborhood or check out websites like Eventbrite, LAist, and Time Out LA for listings.
Look for affordable housing options: Rent in Los Angeles can be expensive, but there are ways to save on housing costs. Consider sharing an apartment or house with roommates, or look into options like house hacking (renting out part of your home on Airbnb) to offset your costs. You can also try looking for housing outside of the city center, which tends to be more affordable.
Cook at home: Eating out in Los Angeles can be expensive, but cooking at home can save you a lot of money. Consider meal prepping on the weekends or joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program to get fresh, local produce delivered to your door. You can also look for affordable grocery stores or farmers’ markets in your area.
Use public transportation: Los Angeles has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and bike-sharing programs. Using public transportation can save you a lot of money on gas and car expenses. If you do need to drive, consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services to split the cost.
Find discounts and deals: There are many ways to save money on things like entertainment and dining out in Los Angeles. Look for discounts through websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Yelp, or sign up for newsletters from local businesses to receive special offers. You can also try dining at restaurants during off-peak hours or taking advantage of happy hour specials.
With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can afford to live in Los Angeles and still have fun. Take advantage of free events and activities, look for affordable housing options, cook at home, use public transportation, and find discounts and deals to save money and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Journalist and writer for NY Style and Millennial Entrepreneur Magazines covering music, modeling, and the fashion industry.
