Most affordable neighborhoods in LA

”Affordable” and “Los Angeles” may sound crazy when put in the same sentence. It is true that L.A. gets pretty pricey compared to the rest of the U.S.. But whether you’re currently living here or you are a prospective Angelino thinking about making a move, there are a lot of factors to consider. Our residential movers Los Angeles are to help you by suggesting some neighborhoods for future movers. There are so many neighborhoods you could move to in Los Angeles that you could easily make your own. Our choices offer affordability, cultural and culinary centers, and more! Below, we present you with some of the most affordable neighborhoods in LA so read on and take notes!

How we determined the most affordable neighborhoods in LA

In order to categorize the cheapest areas to live in Los Angeles, we had to determine what criteria define “affordable”. By using extrapolated BLS data available online, and census, we have established the following set of criteria:

• Overall Cost Of Living
• Rent To Income Ratio
• Median Home Value To Income Ratio

We then began to rank each neighborhood with scores in each category, where 1 was the most cost-effective. Next, we created an average value of the rankings for each neighborhood and set a cheap neighborhood index. And finally, we were able to crown the neighborhood with the lowest cheapest index the “Most affordable neighborhoods in LA.” Read on below to learn more about what it’s like to live in the most affordable neighborhoods in LA.

Los Angeles is a very eclectic and fun city

The City of Angels consists of hundreds of interesting and different neighborhoods. Fun fact: the boundaries of these neighborhoods are often subject to dispute. And believe us when we tell you that many have tried to draw them. Sometimes, walking just a few blocks in LA will reveal a community that looks and feels distinctly different.

Take Leimert Park for example. It is a tight community, usually scoring among the top family-friendly neighborhoods in LA. On the other hand, in Downtown Los Angeles, you will find a “very contemporary and modern” vibe, with its glassy new high-rises and sexy rooftop bars. Or take a turn and go to the San Fernando Valley, where you’ll find it “a little bit calmer… The pace is a little bit slower.” Small-town San Pedro is reminiscent of the Midwest, but at the same time — it’s the last affordable beach town.

1. Los Feliz

Though this is a little obvious, it’s, in fact, no surprise to its residents that “Feliz” translates to “happy.” Los Feliz is kind of a unicorn neighborhood in L.A. How come? As any of one of the many moving companies in California will tell you, it’s one of the few areas of the city that you should really experience on foot. If you are thinking about moving west, this may be one of the perfect neighborhoods. Besides it being ideal because it is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in LA, it features a vast array of dive bars, movie houses, and independent book and clothing stores. This a place to enjoy, being the true-blue neighborhood that is only a short distance from both Hollywood and the Valley.

• And there is another reason why this area is an LA unicorn – it’s one of the most affordable neighborhoods in LA because it gives you easy access to all the city’s heavy-traffic destinations. All of these amenities come without you having to deal with moving over a long distance in the everyday heavy traffic jams!
• Median one-bedroom in Los Feliz rental price: $1,895

2. Why Silver Lake is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in LA

Silver Lake may very well be L.A.’s most yuppie absent area these days. The neighborhood is overflowing with independently-owned coffee shops and stores. It is wonderful for finding the most amazing ways to spend your days when work is light. Come to one of the most affordable neighborhoods in LA and you will find affordable and diverse dining options here. Come to Cafe Stella for French bistro-style eats, or make a reservation at Pine & Crane for authentic Taiwanese cuisine. Of course, since a lot of Millenials have been flocking to LA, rental prices have quickly risen, which is why you should choose to relocate before it’s out of reach entirely.

• Median one-bedroom rental price: $1,950

3. Echo Park

Echo Park persists as one of the most affordable neighborhoods in LA that is different enough to keep tourists and Hollywood enthusiasts out while still being extremely attractive for artists looking for loads of cultural events within walking distance. Well, it may be a short driving distance, but this is still Los Angeles. But what may be the most attractive and thrilling aspect of Echo Park for singles and families alike is not its vast array of top-ranking indie music venues such as The Echo but the incredibly cheap parking spots available all around, which is a big deal in big cities nowadays.

• Median one-bedroom rental price: $1,820

4. Panorama City & Pacoima

Located in the San Fernando Valley, it offers a tranquil and residential atmosphere with scenic views of Los Angeles. These neighborhoods are a haven for families, providing a variety of parks like Branford Park and Richie Valens Park, and numerous recreational activities. The average rent is quite affordable at $1,571, with various housing options ranging from studios to more spacious apartments. Both areas are well-connected, lying close to major freeways like the 5, 118, 405, and 210, making commuting feasible despite peak-hour travel times to Downtown Los Angeles that can stretch to an hour. Local transportation also facilitates easy movement within the neighborhoods. In addition to the natural beauty and leisure opportunities, residents benefit from a strong sense of community and have access to a wide selection of schools, making it perfect for those raising children. The dining, bars, and entertainment options further enrich the lifestyle here, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable environment for all residents.

5. Long Beach is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Long Beach stands out as one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Offering a diverse and casual setting away from the city’s faster pace, with an average rent of $1,525, it attracts young adults, families, and retirees alike. This coastal area is budget-friendly and rich in scenic views and cultural diversity, seamlessly blending residential, industrial, and urban vibes.

Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including access to nearly a hundred schools and a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and jazz lounges. The local food scene is equally impressive, featuring everything from upscale dining establishments to popular taco trucks. Long Beach is particularly pet-friendly, making it a top choice for dog owners.

Transport options are plentiful, connecting residents to Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica with travel times ranging from 40 to 120 minutes. Whether you’re drawn to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Downtown Long Beach or the eclectic charm of East Village, the area offers something for everyone. So, if this is the neighborhood for you, hire moving companies Los Angeles County offers and move her in no time.

6. Koreatown

Koreatown, commonly referred to as Ktown, is a vibrant hub located west of Downtown Los Angeles, known for its diverse Asian food scene, lively late-night atmosphere, and youthful vibe. This neighborhood is a favorite among young adults and students looking for an urban experience without the high costs typically associated with central Los Angeles locations.

With an average rent of $1,733, Koreatown offers relatively affordable living options, including private rooms and studios, with easy access to larger apartments. It’s well-connected by public transportation, featuring access to the 101 freeway via the Normandie onramp and multiple metro and bus lines, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas like NoHo, Studio City, Burbank, and Silverlake.

Despite its urban density and limited green spaces, residents can enjoy nearby MacArthur Park for outdoor activities. Koreatown’s highlights include its array of dining options, such as the renowned Dong Il Jang restaurant, shopping at Koreatown Plaza, and unique cultural sites like Chapman Market.

Other LA neighborhoods

if you want to live near LA, check out the following places:

1. San Dimas
2. Covina
3. Altadena

Consider moving to San Dimas

Located about 28 miles from LA, San Dimas offers a suburban feel with a mix of amenities close by. The median home value in San Dimas stands at $715,400. However, when it comes to renting, San Dimas proves to be relatively affordable for the region. The median rent is $2,202, which, while above the national average, is competitive for the Los Angeles area, especially considering the type of community and the facilities available.

Most residents in San Dimas own their homes, with a 71% homeownership rate, which suggests a stable local real estate market. The area’s average household income is $102,241, well above the national average, further highlighting the economic stability of the residents. San Dimas combines the benefits of suburban living—space, community, and relative peace—with accessibility to the vibrant Los Angeles metropolis, making it an appealing option for those working in or near LA but seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Therefore, if this city is your choice, schedule moving companies San Dimas CA has.

Altadena is also a great choice

The median rent in Altadena is $2,127, higher than the national average but typical for the more upscale parts of the Los Angeles area. The area’s sparse suburban feel provides a quieter, more spacious environment compared to the denser parts of Los Angeles, making it ideal for those seeking a retreat from the city bustle while still maintaining accessibility to urban amenities. Additionally, with 76% of residents owning their homes, Altadena offers a stable community and a solid investment for homeowners. So, hire movers Altadena CA for a safe move.

Move to Covina CA

Moving to Covina, CA, presents an attractive option for those looking to live near Los Angeles but prefer a more balanced urban-suburban lifestyle. Situated just 22 miles from LA, Covina features a median home value of $628,600, offering a more accessible entry point into the housing market compared to central LA areas. The median rent here is $1,777, which is considerably higher than the national average but still competitive for the region. Covina’s blend of urban and suburban elements, coupled with a fairly even split between renters and homeowners (44% rent, 56% own), makes it a dynamic community suitable for a diverse range of residents. So, if you want to live here, contact movers in Covina CA and move easily.

Appreciating LA and its many charms can take time—even years

If you don’t fall in love with any of these affordable neighborhoods in LA right away, be patient. With time, you can uncover all of the advantages of living here. Just think about the possibility to spend a morning in the mountains but the evening at a beach bonfire. You will appreciate LA’s many taquerias and fruit vendors, or maybe your favorite will be the garden apartments. Hopefully, you’ll call us to relocate you to this amazing city and experience all its splendors. After we move you maybe you will start volunteering to help to make the city better, at least in some small way.

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2016). Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject. Bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/data/

Top 5 cheapest places to live in Los Angeles (2024). (n.d.). HousingAnywhere. https://housinganywhere.com/Los-Angeles–United-States/cheap-areas-to-live-in-la

San Dimas, CA. (n.d.). Niche. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/san-dimas-los-angeles-ca/#real-estate

Covina, CA. (n.d.). Niche. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/covina-los-angeles-ca/#real-estate