LA Living Costs
A thing that needs considering before moving to LA is that it is 33% move expensive to live here than US average. This varies greatly depending on where you live though. If you live in a moderately priced area like Westwood your living cost and the costs of eating out in you area will be reasonable. On the other hand if you choose to live in an upscale place like Beverly Hills most things will cost a fortune.
You should not use more than one third of your monthly income on rent. If you don’t have the necessary income consider living with a roommate.
Remember that you will have to spend more than average on commuting costs as well. Many who move to Los Angeles are surprised that it is basically a bunch of communities grouped together. Unfortunately they are not very well connected, so you will have to drive everywhere. That is another thing to consider when choosing neighbourhood, if most of your friends, interests and work is located somewhere else, expect to spend a lot of time in your car. So it might pay off to live close to where you work or spend your free time even if the rents and living costs there are more expensive.
Gas, Power and Water
Gas
Southern California Gas Company will probably be your provider if you move to Los Angeles. Depending on your use an average house uses about 70-80 therms per month which means around $70. If you live in an apartment, expect to pay a little below half of that.
Electricity and Water
The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power provides water and electricity for the LA area. Thanks to the LADWP’s conservative approach to electricity deregulation Los Angeles usually avoids the black-outs that are common in much of California. You will usually pay around $40-$50 a month for electricity.
Befor relocating to Los Angeles you should know that water prices work in a two tier system, which means that as long as you only use the amount of water allowed in the first tier you pay the standard rate. If you move up into the second tier you will pay more for every gallon. The sizes of the tiers vary and depend on seasonal factors and factors such as nationwide droughts. Most of Los Angeles water is imported. Expect to pay around $30 a month.