Widgets Magazine

Top 7 Cheapest Neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: September 18, 2023

The median listed home price in Los Angeles is expected to surpass $1 million soon, marking a 30% increase over the past five years. While it is no lie that the cost of living in Los Angeles can be expensive, a few neighborhoods are affordable and offer a high quality of life.

The city of Los Angeles is known for its high-end lifestyle and competitive real estate market; however, there are a few neighborhoods for those looking for a place that matches their cost of living.

Are you on the lookout for a budget-friendly neighborhood in Los Angeles? MovingWaldo has got you covered! The Top 7 Cheapest Neighborhoods in LA with the Best Quality of Life as of 2023 are listed below.

L.A. Times (2023)

Methodology

We based our ranking of the 7 cheapest places to live in Los Angeles on the median cost of buying a property in 2023, the median cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment in 2023, and the quality of life. We collected the property and rental data from Rocket Homes Real Estate Housing Market Reports and Zillow. To help you compare, the median home price in Los Angeles is $963,957 as of July 2023 and the median rent for a 1-bedroom is $2,250, as of August 2023.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

1. Lancaster

Best place for outdoor enthusiasts and stargazers

Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,645
Median property buying cost: $439,958

Our top pick for the cheapest place to live in Los Angeles is Lancaster. As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $439,958, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,645 as of August 2023.

While it’s seen as rural, locals say you can find everything you need in nearby suburban areas within a 10-minute drive. Lancaster offers a unique environment for outdoor enthusiasts and stargazers with its high desert landscapes and clear skies.

Locals praise initiatives like the Solar Lancaster program that helped them reduce their energy bills. They also praise the affordable cost of rent and property compared to other parts of LA, which makes it an option for families and individuals on a budget.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

Lancaster, Los Angeles, CA

2. Long Beach

Bike-friendly community

Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,395
Median property buying cost: $763,983

Within the wider Los Angeles region and considered by many as part of L.A., Long Beach stands out as a diversified coastal community with many reasons to call it home. Beautiful beaches, bike-friendly infrastructure, and its scenic waterfront, which also offers a place for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Long Beach is home to California State University, the largest public university system in the world, and the most affordable colleges in California for 2024. Locals appreciate the area’s proximity to Los Angeles, which is only 25 miles south and provides plenty of job opportunities, and with a walk score of 73, it is possible to live a walking and transit-friendly life in this near-the-beach neighborhood.

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,395 and the median cost of buying a property is $763,983, as of July 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA

Ads

3. Van Nuys

Commuter friendly

Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,291
Median property buying cost: $803,333

Van Nuys’ central location inside the city offers proximity to multiple job opportunities, places of entertainment, and easy access to Interstate 405, making commuting a snap. Locals mention they like the neighborhood’s access to Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park and Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, which promote outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities.

With a walk score of 71, Van Nuys in Los Angeles ranks as the 41st most walkable area in the city. Most errands may be completed on foot, which can help the locals save money instead of commuting on a daily basis.

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $803,333, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,291 as of August 2023, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Los Angeles.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

Van Nuys, Los Angeles, CA

4. Glendale

Proximity to Downtown Los Angeles

Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,250
Median property buying cost: $1,107,222

Glendale’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles and access to the Angeles Crest Highway make it an ideal place for both work and entertainment.

Locals commend Griffith Park’s proximity, offering plentiful outdoor possibilities with nearby equestrian trails and hilltop lookouts in the Verdugo Mountains. Parking in Glendale is a bit tricky and limited. Car insurance in Glendale is costly due to its dense population and heavy traffic congestion, which elevates the risk of accidents and leads to higher premiums.

Glendale’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles and access to the Angeles Crest Highway make it an ideal place for both work and entertainment. As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,250 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,107,222, as of July 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

Glendale, Los Angeles, CA

5. Santa Monica

Appealing beachfront location

Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,395
Median property buying cost: $1,600,266

Santa Monica is a coastal place with pristine beaches. It has the Santa Monica Pier, which offers a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as stores and an amusement park. It is home to the bustling Third Street Promenade, which adds to the lively charm of the area.

The area has green spaces like Palisades Park, promoting an environmentally friendly ambiance. Santa Monica offers a lot of outdoor activities and has a bike-friendly pathway to encourage locals to have healthy lifestyles.

Locals suggest living in larger apartments away from downtown, the promenade, and the beach to avoid tourist crowds and homelessness-related issues. As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $1,600,266, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,395 as of August 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA

6. North Redondo Beach

Plenty of beach activities

Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,695
Median property buying cost: $1,400,000

North Redondo Beach is one of the distinct neighborhoods in Redondo Beach. Its sandy beaches, seaside lifestyle, and temperate climate attract residents looking for a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere. Surfing and beach volleyball are popular ways to spend time in the neighborhood, as is biking along the beautiful esplanade.

Locals praise the family-friendly beach and convenient access to shops and restaurants. They mention that there are decent deals to be found on 1-bedroom apartments reasonably close to the beach.

Talking about the continued rise of homeless people in LA, Redondo Beach has taken a proactive approach to its homeless population, establishing a small house community and running a homeless court. As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,695 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,400,000, as of July 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, CA

7. Sherman Oaks

Proximity to vibrant cafés

Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,850
Median property buying cost: $1,357,500

Sherman Oaks is a calm place in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Fossil Ridge Park is ideal for families and young professionals seeking a peaceful yet enjoyable environment. Ventura Boulevard, the main commercial street, features old-style Mexican eateries, burger joints, upscale pubs, wine bars, and lively cafés, all loved by locals.

Locals mention that the only drawback in this neighborhood is the absence of sidewalks. Many of the locals spend on Uber to go out, but since rent is so affordable, the costs balance out. However, the good news is that many homes in Sherman Oaks come with fairly large lots if you decide to purchase one.

Sherman Oaks has state-owned Public Housing apartments, providing affordable rentals for low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals. Local housing authorities can offer assistance with rental payments.

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $1,357,500, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,850 as of August 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA

Conclusion

When planning a move, financial considerations cannot be forgotten. It is also important to be aware of the safety and protection of the neighborhoods in LA. Our list of the top 7 cheapest neighborhoods in LA with the best quality of life in 2023 can help you decide where you’ll live.

Selecting the right neighborhood can require thoughtful planning, so be sure to review this list before making your decision. Are you planning to move soon? Learn about the Best LA movers!

The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

Provide Matt with your move criteria. He will calculate quotes from verified movers, using the same metrics. This will make it simple to compare and book your move.

Booking trustworthy movers starts here

+120

verified and experienced professionals to choose from

Relevant for your move

Moving tips

Top 7 Cheapest Neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2023

Methodology

Featured in this article

1. Lancaster

2. Long Beach

3. Van Nuys

4. Glendale

5. Santa Monica

6. North Redondo Beach

7. Sherman Oaks

Conclusion

The expert

Mathieu Paquette

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Los Angeles? – 2023

7 Things to know and do before moving to L.A.

Top 8 Best neighborhoods in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2023

Top 7 Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2023

Top 7 Best Neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2023

About

For businesses

Find a mover

Organize your move

Internet packages

Address change

Join the network

For agents and brokers

Trouver un déménageur

Organisez votre déménagement

Changement d’adresse

Forfaits internet

Rejoignez le réseau

Professionnels de l’immobilier

Promo code

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox