How expensive is Los Angeles? How much money do I need for Los Angeles?
How much does a trip to Los Angeles cost? Is Los Angeles cheap or expensive? The average Los Angeles trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Los Angeles prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers to find the price of travel in the area.
Accommodation Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Los Angeles is $51. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Los Angeles is $102. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Los Angeles is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $16 per person, per day, on local transportation in Los Angeles.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
How much does it cost to go to Los Angeles? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Los Angeles will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Transportation in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Hotel Parking for a Day
$22
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Taxi to Airport
$55
Food Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Los Angeles can vary, the average cost of food in Los Angeles is $22 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Los Angeles should cost around $8.91 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Los Angeles is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$22
Typical prices for Food in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Entertainment Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Los Angeles typically cost an average of $28 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
Typical prices for Entertainment in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
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Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Los Angeles is $150, as reported by travelers.
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Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$150
Alcohol Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $6.26 on alcoholic beverages in Los Angeles per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.26
Water Budget in Los Angeles
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend $1.75 on bottled water in Los Angeles per day. The public water in Los Angeles is considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
$1.75
Last Updated: May 22, 2023
Los Angeles On a Budget
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.
The city sits right up against the Pacific Ocean and is met by dramatic mountain ranges on the inland side. The climate is mild and pleasant. It is sunny throughout the year and temperatures rarely drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They also rarely climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sights
There are many ways to experience a trip to Los Angeles. Some people come to the city for the celebrity sightings, others to shop, and many come for the beaches or to explore the diversity of neighborhoods which offer unique cuisine and culture. Most people make a trip to Beverly Hills and walk down Rodeo Drive during their time in the city. Catching a glimpse of the famous Hollywood sign is a goal of many visitors, too. There are also countless museums and parks around town. If you are short on time, prioritize your goals and plan an itinerary that focuses on your specific interests in the city. There really are
so many things to do in L.A. and something for everyone.
Being a large city, L.A. has plenty of museums. From art and photography to science and history, the city has something for everyone. Check out this great
guide to the best museums in Los Angeles.
Neighborhoods
Within the city of Los Angeles there are a variety of diverse and interesting districts. The Downtown, or central business district is where you will find the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Eastside is the eclectic area that is north of the downtown region. The Harbor Area has the largest sea port in the country. This is also where you can catch a ferry to Catalina Island. Hollywood is probably the most famous district in the city. This was the home of many movie studios and film productions. San Fernando Valley is a suburban area to the north. The South Central district was the primary location of the Rodney King riots and is still known for gang violence. Westside is a wealthier area between the downtown and the ocean. Wilshire is where you will find the Miracle Mile District, the Farmer's Market, and the Grove shopping areas, among other famous sights.
Activities
There are no shortage of
clubs and bars throughout LA where you can see and be seen. There are also plenty of gimmicky, although interesting restaurants to check out.
Concerts, events and festivals within the city are common, and you're likely to stumble into some activity while you're wandering around town. Professional sporting events are also popular, with teams like the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks attracting crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Outside of L.A. are plenty of other places to see. Check out this
guide to day trips from Los Angeles for plenty of great ideas and fun destinations.
Food and Dining
There is a thriving restaurant scene in Los Angeles. The cities diversity and vast size mean that there is almost any type of cuisine available somewhere around town.
Inexpensive, authentic, and
healthy restaurants are plentiful, but for the best options, do some research in advance and find out what places are recommended by the locals.
Like many cities in the US, food trucks are gaining momentum throughout LA. Gourmet food trucks, in particular, are becoming quite popular. The food is high quality, well prepared, and not as affordable as you might expect. Still, it's worth trying a few dishes from local food trucks.
If you want to prepare your own meals there are plenty of grocery store chains around town. Given the high number of local, cheap eateries, this isn't always the best option and you'll likely enjoy your meal more if you venture out to a hole in the wall restaurant.
Transportation
Traveling within Los Angeles is notoriously challenging. Traffic is horrific and you're likely to get lost at least a couple of times. The public transportation system is very much lacking, but if you're motivated and patient, you can make it work. Otherwise, you're advised to rent a car and try your hand at navigating the city on your own. You're likely to see so much more and enjoy you trip more if you have the flexibility of traveling with your own vehicle.
If you do decide to rely on public transit then you will likely experience the cities extensive bus system. There are some routes that travel every ten or fifteen minutes, but many run every half hour or even as rarely as every 90 minutes. Bus stops aren't always conveniently located as well, and you may find yourself walking a mile or more to reach your destination.
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