Cost of Living in Los Angeles for Students

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Los Angeles (L.A.), the City of Los Angeles, is a city in Southern California, in the United States.

Cost of living in Los Angeles

The cost of living in Los Angeles is 8% higher than the state and 51% more than the national average.

Is Los Angeles a good place to study?

Because it is a vibrant city with a dynamic culture, promising opportunities, job options, and more.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Los Angeles, let’s summarize its cost.

Expenses	Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees	$20,000 – $70,000 / Year
Accommodation	$1,162 – $2,614 / Month
Transportation	$117 / Month

Costs of Tuition Fees

The cost of your fee will depend on the course type and university you choose to study in L.A.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee	Post-Graduate Tuition Fee
$30,000 – $70,000 / Year	$20,000 – $70,000 / Year

Student Accommodation Costs

The cost of student accommodation in Los Angeles will depend upon the location, types, and room. If you choose a prime location, it will be a bit dear, but you can share the room or apartment to cut costs.

1. Student Housing

Whether you looking for luxurious or affordable rents, there are many student housings in L.A. Students prefer this type of accommodation because it is safe, and secure, and offers privacy and amenities.

Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.

Student Housing	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	$1,162 – $1,572 / Month

2. Private Apartment

There are many student private apartments available in L.A. They come as one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments and so on. Each type of apartment is equipped with modern appliances, facilities, etc.

Apartment	Price
Private	$2,033 – $2,614 / Month

3. University Halls

University halls are residence halls managed by the university. They provide rooms to students studying in L.A. They offer many types of rooms for students but with limited seats.

University Hall	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	$800 – $1,500 / Month

Food

The cost of food in L.A is expensive if you know how to budget for your food. A budget for breakfast will cost you $7, $15 for lunch and around $30 for dinner. It’s advisable to cook at home and save money instead of eating outside.

Utility Bills

The utility bills include electricity, gas, wi-fi, etc. If you choose to stay in student housing, bills are included in the rent. As for university halls, you have to check their policies before you move into the residence halls.

Transportation

The L.A. Metro is one of the most affordable modes of public transportation. It s easy to use and the public transit system consists of DASH Buses, Metro Buses, and Metro Rail Trains.

To use trains, buses, and subways, you should get a TAP card, it’s reusable and easy to travel on all three modes of transportation.

Compare prices while shopping

Whether shopping for groceries, clothes, or anything, compare prices from where you can get a cheap deal. Small differences can add up to a monthly budget.

Shop at flea markets

There’s always a flea market every Saturday where you can stop by Swap Meet, The Rose Bowl, or The Roadium to save some cash on shopping.

Look for discounts or free stuff

Student discount cards are the best way to get offers on food, travel, clothes, etc.

Snacks from food trucks

If you love to try out some good food from outside, grab some cheap eats from tacos trucks.

Utilize your university’s campus

You can use the library for books, or using internet for your online work. For instance, USC’s Ostrow School of Dentistry allows hygienists to check on your teeth for free.