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If you are a student or young professional living in Los Angeles, you are probably concerned about the city’s high prices. After all, it is California, currently the second-most expensive state in America. With average gas prices well over $5 as of April 2022 and inflation at its highest in 40 years, living comfortably in California is notoriously hard to do. However, it is not impossible, even for those still in school or working in entry-level jobs. Below, we outline some ways to keep your costs down so that your budget stays reasonable and you can still have enough left over for a little fun on the weekends.
Where you live will, of course, be your biggest concern, and while the bad news is that prices are rising because of the crazy housing market, the good news is that if you are diligent and do some research, you can turn up some good deals. The monthly rent for a Koreatown studio, for example, will start around $2,000, and if you are a student, you may be able to find even better pricing. With UCLA graduate housing, you can find one-bedrooms for $2,400, and if you are willing to get a roommate, you can enjoy significant savings by getting a Koreatown off-campus apartment: two-bedrooms begin at $2,700 for two people. The lesson is that with a little patience and digging, whether you choose to get a studio apartment for rent in Koreatown or opt for off-campus student housing near UCLA, you can find apartments that won’t break the bank.
Your next priority will likely be food. How much you spend will be impacted by how much cooking at home you do and where you shop. While a luxury grocery store, Erewhon Market is a place to check out because it has organic, sustainable groceries and because the young and the beautiful have in the past liked to hang out there. However, if you are looking for cheaper options, you might compare prices at Trader Joe’s, Aldi, or Sprouts Farmers Market. Los Angeles is also known for its inexpensive restaurants that are tucked away on side streets but are well-known to locals. If you are in the UCLA area and are in the mood for someone else to cook for you, pop into Falafel Inc., which has vegan-friendly choices; Bella Pita, which has Middle Eastern dishes; or Cava, a Mediterranean joint.
If you are used to working out and like staying fit, Los Angeles is full of gyms, but do you really need one? Why not forgo that membership, keep to your budget, and get to know your new home by jogging through its streets and parks? Los Angeles gets roughly 263 days of sun every year, and with temperatures that normally don’t go over 85 degrees, you can see the possibilities you have to get in your cardio while you are outside. Griffith Park is popular for its incredible views of the Los Angeles Basin, and with 53 miles of hiking trails, bridle paths, and fire roads, you will have plenty of room to stretch your legs. Another favorite, Runyon Canyon Park, is frequented by celebrities, is two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, and has a 90-acre dog park. Palisades Park, located along Ocean Avenue, is a must for any outdoor enthusiast. You can walk or run along a three-mile loop that takes you past some gorgeous scenery. Los Angeles, as you can see, is full of opportunities for exercising without having to invest in expensive gym memberships, and best of all, you can see and be seen.
All work and no play will eventually wear you down, so when you are in the mood for fun and relaxation, hit the bars in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA, some of the least expensive and unique in the city. The Monte Carlo Bar offers a laid-back, friendly vibe while Frank ‘n Hank generates good buzz. If you want to get out for a while but aren’t in the mood for the club scene, remember to invest in the Los Angeles Multi-Attraction Card, which grants you access to thirty of the city’s top attractions, including Knott’s Berry Farm and LEGOLAND California. You can also go on a walking tour of the city’s more interesting neighborhoods, including Chinatown, or to see the beautiful Pacific at Long Beach.
In the end, Los Angeles can be as expensive – or as affordable – as you make it. You will always find ample opportunities to open your wallet, but with a little planning and research, you can create a fun, budget-friendly life for yourself. Just remember to go where your heart takes you and to enjoy every moment of your time in Los Angeles.
Tripalink creates co-living communities and student housing opportunities across the United States. We simplify the apartment search to reduce the cost of living, create beautiful homes, and help both students and young professionals find a community in their city. For more information about Tripalink and co-living, please see www.tripalink.com.
