What is it like to move to Los Angeles?

Find out things you need to know before moving to LA, including budgets, choosing the best neighborhood, and some extra tips to help you move.

Ivandzhelin

4 minute read

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Updated on 9 Aug 2024

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Moving

Moving to Los Angeles is the dream of many — from people wanting to make it in entertainment or tech to people wanting to experience life in the City of Angels. But what's it like moving to LA?

While moving to La La Land is a dream come true, there are some essential things you need to know before packing your bags. It will make your move smoother and allow you to enjoy the process.

1. Los Angeles is massive

Before deciding to move to LA, people rarely think about the size of the city. With 502.7 sq miles (1,302 km), LA is one of the largest cities by population and area in the US. This means it takes residents between 90 minutes to 4 hours to get from one side of the city to the other, usually confining them to their own neighborhood.

2. Los Angeles County vs. City of Los Angeles

Another thing that doesn't often come to mind is the difference between Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County is the administrative region encompassing multiple cities and unincorporated areas, including the City of Los Angeles. Yet, the area is generally understood as Los Angeles, so you'll often hear people refer to it by that name.

This distinction is important in terms of local government, as each city within Los Angeles County has its own government, which is different from the City of Los Angeles. This can have an effect on things like your tenant rights in Los Angeles (e.g., rent control rules) or minimum wage.

3. Find a home before moving to LA

You should explore homes for rent in Los Angeles before your move, as finding a home might be challenging. The rental market in LA is competitive, and the sooner you start looking, the more time and freedom you have to find the perfect place.

When looking for a place to live, consider whether you want roommates, the bills included in the rent, and the type of place you're looking for. Check out our guide on finding an apartment for more tips and trick.

With an average rental price of $1,793, renting in LA is on the higher side. The table below breaks down the average monthly rent based on accommodation type.

If you’re on a budget, look for a private room and check out our list of the 5 cheapest areas to live in LA, like Koreatown and Carson, to save on rent.

Finding a place in LA can involve lengthy back-and-forths. HousingAnywhere simplifies the process: choose your rental period, find your preferred place, and message the landlord. Approval can happen in a few days by providing proof of income, a valid passport or ID, and a bank statement.

We secure your money for 48 hours after move-in, ensuring the property matches its listing. Move to Los Angeles, sleep in your own bed from day one, and skip the hassle of short-term rentals and house hunting.

4. How much money should you save before moving to LA?

With monthly living expenses around $3,277, the cost of living in Los Angeles is above the US average. Having savings between $10,000 to $15,000 will help before relocating, serving as a safety net for unexpected expenses, job transitions, or unforeseen moves.

Aside from the savings, consider how expensive the move to LA will be. The cost of living in Los Angeles is $3,437 monthly. This covers essential costs such as renting, groceries, and transportation. You should also consider costs such as security deposits, first month’s rent, moving companies, plane tickets, or gas. If you’re moving from outside the US, calculate the costs of getting a visa, too. And don’t forget to set aside some money for unexpected expenses because they always arise.

5. Find a job before moving to LA

With the considerably high cost of living, it’s helpful to secure a job in LA before moving. Luckily, the city's economy is diverse, offering opportunities across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, politics, tourism, construction, and tech.

The average net salary is $4,648 monthly ($55,776 yearly), but a comfortable living requires earning at least $6,392 monthly ($76,710 yearly). Keep these numbers in mind to make an accurate budget and decide if you can afford to live in the city. Explore our guide on Los Angeles' average salaries and household incomes for more details on salaries across various industries.

6. Having a car is beneficial in LA

While most neighborhoods are walkable, Los Angeles isn't known for walkability. Los Angeles is a car-centric city. So, owning a car is very convenient as it allows you to explore beyond your immediate neighborhood.

However, it's essential to note that LA's traffic can be incredibly congested, with rush-hour commutes lasting up to 4 hours. Average commute times range from 40 to 90 minutes, so consider this when searching for homes for rent in Los Angeles.

7. Find a good moving company

Look into relocation agencies and moving companies and compare their prices. You can even calculate how much it would cost to move your luggage by yourself, depending on whether you move furniture. If you’re flying to LA, check out how much luggage your airline allows you to carry and what items you might want to have shipped.

Besides essential personal belongings, such as clothes, documents or electronic devices, you can buy everything else in LA. In terms of clothing, LA is a warm city, so you won’t need winter clothes or shoes. Pack mostly summer and spring clothes because temperatures usually stay between 55°F and 72°F.

8. Research or visit LA before moving

Research Los Angeles before deciding to move. This way, you can get a feel of the city and see some of the best neighborhooods in LA before deciding where to live.

Visiting LA can be expensive, so we recommend watching vlogs or TikToks from creators living in LA or reading locals’ comments on forums like Reddit and Quora. For a true feeling of the city, look for daily vlogs or videos of the creators walking on the streets of LA. This way, you can immerse yourself in the vibe of Los Angeles for free and see if this is the place for you.

Moving to Los Angeles is worthwhile. LA offers plenty of career opportunities in the fields of media, show business, tech and healthcare. Beyond career prospects, Los Angeles provides a vibrant lifestyle with its rich cultural scene, diverse communities, and various recreational activities. With some savvy budgeting and planning, your move to LA can be seamless.