I moved to Los Angeles from the UK three years ago after marrying my American wife. As a freelance writer and photographer, I love the beautiful weather—a big difference from rainy Britain—the diverse food scene, and the incredible mix of city life and nature that LA offers!
While I moved here for love, more than in other states or different countries, so many people find their way to LA by following opportunities or pursuing a creative pursuit. It’s rare to meet someone born in LA, meaning almost everyone has a story of moving here and trying to make it work. It's a lifestyle of hustle and ambition that can be exciting and sometimes exhausting!
But, it certainly makes for an interesting and unique place to call home
Whether you're thinking about moving to LA or just curious about what life is really like for expats here, I'm happy to share my experience living in the City of Angels.
Short on time? Here's the cheat sheet
💭Living in Los Angeles is a unique experience that blends city living with natural beauty.
🏠Most expats choose to live in Santa Monica, Silverlake, Culver City, or West Hollywood.
☀️The city offers a dynamic lifestyle that combines year-round blue skies with incredible diversity, though it also has its own set of challenges, like high living costs and notorious traffic.
🚗While you'll need a solid income and, ideally, a car to navigate the city because it's not always easy to walk...
🏖️the rewards include access to stunning beaches, breathtaking hiking trails, a world-class comedy and entertainment scene, and a vibrant international community.
We’re not a regular travel blog; we’re a collection of women living around the world, all with different backgrounds, jobs, desires, & nationalities. What do we have in common? A passion for life abroad. Each article is written from the 1st-hand perspective of a woman who has actually done or experienced what she writes about.
Learn more about the author by clicking her bio pic at the start or end of each article.
What It's Really Like for Expats in Los Angeles
Los Angeles isn't just Hollywood and palm trees, though admittedly, I was very excited about both of those things when I arrived. It’s a melting pot, attracting people from across the US and worldwide, with particularly large communities from Mexico, Korea, Japan, and Iran.
What makes Los Angeles unique is how each neighborhood feels like its own small town while still being part of the greater LA experience. It’s impossible to see all of LA, and while you’ll find your favorite neighborhoods to hang out in pretty quickly (mine are Highland Park and Los Feliz), there’s always more to explore.
The sheer size and sprawl of LA can be difficult. People often pick where they live in LA on how long they’ll spend in traffic.
The Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Like other big cities in the US, like San Francisco, Miami, or New York City, living in LA isn't cheap—most expenses are above the national average. However, costs can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and location.
Housing Costs
Though there's a higher wage here than in other cities, housing costs take up a chunk of most locals' and expats' budgets. It’s not uncommon for LA residents to share houses here to save on costs.
In the West Side areas like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, you can expect to pay between $2,800 and $3,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Those looking for more affordable options might consider KTown or East Side neighborhoods like Silverlake, Echo Park, or Los Feliz, where rents range from $2,200 to $2,800. The San Fernando Valley offers slightly more budget-friendly options.
Groceries/Eating Out
Daily expenses also add up quickly. Groceries for a single person typically cost between $100 and $150 weekly. Dining out is a significant part of LA culture but can be expensive.
The food truck culture here is unparalleled and budget-friendly, so get ready to eat so many tacos!
Transportation
Transportation costs are another significant consideration. With rising gas prices, owning a car is an expensive necessity. Car insurance typically runs around $200 a month, and parking can add another $100 to $200 to your monthly expenses.
LA does have public transportation. It’s not as good as the East Coast but continues to grow. As someone who doesn’t drive, I get by here using the bus and metro system, which is common for expats, as driving in LA can be intimidating.
A single journey on the LA public transport service is $1.75, which you pay using a TAP card. You can download the app or pick one up at a TAP vendor.
Life here certainly is easier with a car, and many people consider a car essential for navigating such a sprawling city.
Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Live in Los Angeles County
From experience, these are my few most recommended areas to live in LA.
Hotels and vacation rental homes in the city can be expensive. If possible, try to stay a few nights in an area before signing a long-term contract but otherwise, do your best to at least visit the area during the day and at night to get a better sense of the community before committing.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica offers a quintessential California beach lifestyle as a neighborhood that perfectly blends coastal living and urban amenities with the iconic pier, beautiful beaches, hikes in the Santa Monica mountains, and a vibrant downtown area.
The area boasts excellent restaurants, a thriving farmer's market, and a community that caters to people who prioritize a healthy lifestyle.
However, housing is among the most expensive in LA, million dollar homes abound, and the tourist crowds can be overwhelming during peak seasons.
Silverlake
For those seeking a more alternative and artistic vibe, Silverlake represents the creative heart of Los Angeles.
This neighborhood feels like a small, hip town within the massive LA metropolis. Filled with trendy coffee shops, unique boutiques, and a thriving arts scene, Silverlake attracts musicians, artists, and creative professionals. The area is known for its beautiful hills, vintage homes, and a community that values individuality and creativity.
While parking can be challenging and the hills can be steep, the neighborhood offers an authentic LA experience far beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Culver City
Culver City is particularly popular for expats. The neighborhood has undergone significant transformation recently, becoming a hub for creative industries with major tech and media companies establishing offices here.
It offers a more balanced lifestyle than some of LA's more hectic neighborhoods, with good schools, family-friendly parks, and a growing restaurant scene. It’s also particularly good to walk and cycle, with everything you need nearby in terms of shopping, restaurants, and coffee.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood, or WeHo as locals call it, is the beating heart of LA's LGBTQ+ scene. Between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, this vibrant neighborhood offers an energetic lifestyle with world-class dining, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
The area is incredibly walkable, with countless restaurants, bars, and shops within easy reach. It’s also an ideal central location if you often need to go to the East and West sides.
Basic US Visa Options (& How I Got Here)
I moved to LA through marriage to a US citizen, but the city attracts international residents through various pathways.
Many of my friends who are actors or work in the entertainment industry are on O-1 visas aimed at individuals with extraordinary abilities. Extraordinary is a much broader category than people think, so it’s worth talking to an immigration lawyer if you think you may qualify.
The Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles
Though LA offers an incredible lifestyle that attracts people worldwide, it's not without its challenges. Even the most die-hard LA fans find this city difficult at times.
The city boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, providing an endless summer that contrasts sharply with more dreary climates—hello UK!
The career and entertainment options are unparalleled. If you love film, this is where all the advance screenings happen, the museums are amazing, and the comedy scene is huge. Everyone is always hustling and doing something interesting.
However, LA demands patience and resilience. The traffic is legendary, rush hour is hell, and even driving a short distance can still take an hour at the best of times. Public transportation is limited, making car ownership, unfortunately, more convenient.
Air pollution, particularly from wildfires, can cause bad air quality. This can be particularly difficult if you have sensitive lungs.
The high cost of living can be difficult with housing prices that can shock even those from expensive cities.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to LA
Looking back, there are some things I wish I had known before making the move to LA.
- The size of Los Angeles is incomprehensible until you've experienced it—LA County is massive.
- Neighborhoods matter more than you might expect; where you live dramatically impacts your own daily life experience, social life, and even job opportunities.
- Making friends requires real effort in LA. Unlike some cities where social connections happen naturally, you'll need to be proactive about meeting people. Join interest groups, take classes, and be open to new connections.
- While a lot of work has been done to move homeless people from the street into housing, there's still more than in other cities, particularly downtown.
Will You Move Too? Visit Los Angeles Before You Do
Despite its challenges, Los Angeles is a wonderful place. The city provides opportunities for personal and professional growth that are hard to find elsewhere. Yes, you'll battle traffic, face high living costs, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the city's vastness.
But you'll also experience incredible diversity, enjoy near-perfect weather, and access experiences you can't anywhere else.
Los Angeles can transform your entire perspective on life, career, and personal growth.
But if you're considering the move, take your time. Try to visit Los Angeles multiple times if possible, explore different neighborhoods, and connect with other expats.
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