Top 7 Cheapest Neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2024

• 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)

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

While this neighborhood is not directly in Los Angeles, it is part of the larger metropolitan area, which is why we consider it to be on our lists. Long Beach stands out as a diversified coastal community with many reasons to call it home, including beautiful beaches, bike-friendly infrastructure, and a scenic waterfront.

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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)