Living Costs in Los Angeles: A Family’s Experience

Hello from Sophia! 👋

My name is Sophia, an everyday working mom who successfully obtained the EB1A green card through DIY application. 💼 I currently live in Los Angeles with my husband and child. Today, I’m excited to share the monthly living expenses of our family of three in LA, hoping it helps those planning to move here!

Monthly Family Expenses Overview 📊

Los Angeles is known for its sunny weather and vibrant lifestyle, but the cost of living is relatively high. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our monthly expenses:

1. Housing 🏠

Approximately $4,000/month

• We rent a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment located in central LA for convenience.
• Utilities (water, electricity, gas): About $180/month (we make an effort to use energy efficiently).
• Internet: $70/month for a standard package from a major provider.

2. Transportation 🚗

Approximately $800/month

• Car-related expenses include a car loan of about $500, fuel costs around $250, and insurance $50.

3. Dining 🍽️

Approximately $900/month

• Grocery shopping: We spend about $600/month on weekly supermarket trips for fresh produce and daily necessities.
• Eating out: About $300/month for occasional weekend dinners at restaurants.

4. Child Education 📚

Approximately $1,000/month

• Our child currently attends kindergarten, and the tuition is $1,000/month, which meets our quality and environmental expectations.

5. Health-related Expenses 💊

Approximately $1,200/month

• Health insurance is a significant part of our budget, as we prioritize our family’s healthcare needs.

6. Other Expenses 🎉

Approximately $800/month

• Entertainment: Around $150 for weekend activities like park outings or museum visits.
• Shopping: Approximately $250 for household items and supplies.
• Savings: About $400 to prepare for future expenses.

Monthly Total Expenses 💵

In total, our monthly expenditures amount to around $8,700. This figure is considered average for living in Los Angeles, allowing us a comfortable lifestyle while retaining some reserves.

Sophia’s Tips for Budgeting 💡

• Plan Financial Usage: Categorize your expenses based on family needs to arrange monthly spending efficiently.
• Choose Housing Wisely: We prioritized neighborhoods with good commutes and essential amenities, making daily life more efficient.
• Balance Entertainment Activities: Plan weekend activities strategically to control your budget while enriching your life.

What About You? 💌

If you live in the United States or are planning to move to Los Angeles, what are your living expenses like? How do they compare to ours? What expense items concern you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section! Let’s connect and share experiences in our new home! ✨