It’s no secret that Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities to live in. It is one of the United States’ major cities, and there are a lot of dynamics to it. It is an urban sprawl. It is a diverse city with a huge wage gap. So, if you are looking for affordable living situations in Los Angeles, your options are limited.

Whether you want to keep your overhead low or simply can’t afford some of the higher rent in the city, to find the right spot you need to do some digging. Below are some of the lower-cost living options in Los Angeles.

Rent a Room

One of the cheapest ways to live in Los Angeles is to rent a room. When you can’t afford your own place, there are a lot of owners, people who rent, and individual people who will give you a good price if you are an easy person to live with.

When you are reasonable, you will be able to find more options for rooms and other living situations. Of course, you want to make sure that you are safe and happy in the specific living situation, but the more you put up with the better your price will be. It all depends on how much you are willing to give up.

Find a Coliving Situation

Coliving is a term used when you go through a middleman to manage a roommate situation. You can live with people for a specific amount of time to save money or for the long haul. Whether you are trying your best to find the cheapest spot you can or want to compromise for a nice place with a good price, there are many coliving options in Los Angeles.

Coliving in Los Angeles has become something of a phenomenon. When you are looking for the right spot for the right price, consider coliving options.

Choose Less Popular Neighborhoods

So much of the cost in Los Angeles is the neighborhood. Some are a lot safer and more pleasant than others. If you are someone who is used to less-than-favorable conditions, you can cut down on your rent and overall overhead by going with a less popular neighborhood.

You won’t be able to live in Echo Park or Silverlake, but you can find the right place outside of downtown and other hip neighborhoods in LA. When you need to live in the area but can’t seem to afford the rent, think about trying some less popular neighborhoods.

Go In on a House with Friends

Another option is to rent a house with a group of friends. If you want to have your own space and feel comfortable with the people you are living with, you should think about renting a place with your friends. Not only will you be in an environment of your own creation, but you can really cut down on the rent costs by splitting a home in fractions.

You can even look for townhomes and large condos to share. It doesn’t matter what your vibe is, if you go in on a house with friends you can find exactly what you are looking for.

Take Out a Mortgage

Finally, how is your credit? If you are in a good financial position and have good credit, you might benefit from taking out a mortgage. Mortgages can be cheaper than renting if you are in a good credit situation. You can also refinance a mortgage you already have.

Of course, if you don’t pay the bill every month you could lose your home, but if you can have a more favorable mortgage situation opposed to renting, it’s an investment you should make.

There are all kinds of places to live in Los Angeles, but few of them are cheap. It is one of the most expensive places in the country to live. However, if you see to it that you are getting a good price you should do your best to take advantage of the opportunity.

Whether you are coliving, renting with friends, or are choosing a less popular neighborhood, you can find lower cost options in Los Angeles. It’s a matter of putting the work in.

Ellie Chen
Author

Ellie Chen is a graduate of New York University with a Master’s in Real Estate who has been an expert in property market trends and real estate investment for over 12 years. Her previous roles include working in real estate brokerage and as a property analyst. She has provided insights into real estate marketing, property management, and investment strategies. Her background includes roles in real estate development firms and as an agent. Beyond work, she is a great hiker and a volunteer in housing affordability programs. She is also a passionate urban cyclist and enjoys participating in community development initiatives.

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