The Most Affordable Places To Live In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities in the world; people flock to this sunny city from around the globe to pursue their dreams and find new adventures. While the City of Angels is famous for offering endless opportunities, creative spaces, renowned cultural attractions, and exciting experiences, it also has a reputation for being pricey—and for a good reason. 

There is undoubtedly an abundance of expensive neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, and the city itself is one of the most expensive places to live in California. However, with a bit of perseverance, you can find plenty of affordable houses in Los Angeles in neighborhoods with a distinct character. These more reasonably priced locations include perks such as excellent recreational activities, plenty of trendy restaurants, good access to public transportation, and quality schools.

MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE IN L.A.

Moving to California can often come with a high price tag, but it is nevertheless still possible to find neighborhoods that are both affordable and offer a high quality of life. So, prospective Angelenos and admirers of La La Land: take a tour with us to the best and cheapest places to live in Los Angeles.

Lancaster

Median home price: $386,970

As one of the most affordable and safe places to live in Los Angeles, Lancaster displays a cozy small town setting in the Antelope Valley but isn’t too far away for quick trips to D.T.L.A. With a population of roughly 159,000, Lancaster is a mid-sized area ideal for those seeking the amenities of a larger city but with a small-town vibe. 

Aside from prominent public schools, there are many private schools in this cheap place to live near L.A., with at least 12 campuses to choose from. In addition, Lancaster residents can easily visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve—one of the best California state parks—to enjoy more than 1,700 acres of poppy fields and unplug from the hustle and bustle. You can also shop 'til you drop at the Lancaster Marketplace, spend the day with the family at Round 1 Bowling and Amusement, and indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant such as the old-fashioned Italian eatery Gino’s Italian Restaurant. 

Palmdale 

Median home price: $418,060

Palmdale—located north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert—is Lancaster's twin city and one of the cheapest areas to live near Los Angeles. Within an area of 106 square miles, Palmdale is home to almost 40 neighborhoods. Leona Valley and Quartz Hill are the most upscale subdivisions in the area. The most popular schools in the area are located just off Rancho Vista Boulevard, Elizabeth Lake Road, and Angeles Forest Highway.

Exciting living is a pivotal part of the Palmdale lifestyle. When you aren't shopping at Antelope Valley Mall, savor a picnic at the Little Rock Recreation Area or ski down the slopes at Mountain High Ski Resort. Indulge in specialty Thai dishes at The Jasmine Thai Restaurant on your next dinner date and feast on their Pineapple Curry and stir-fried Tangerine Shrimp.

La Puente

Median home price:  $564,840

Approximately 20 miles east of downtown L.A. lies the city of La Puente (meaning "the bridge" in Spanish). It is one of the smaller suburbs in the region and is a great place to raise a family; La Puente's population is approximately 40,000, creating a close-knit environment with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

If you enjoy golf, join the nearby Industry Hills Golf Club and get your golf game on par with the PGA Tour talents. Or, take the kids to the 22-acre La Puente Park, a lush open space perfect for picnics and outdoor fun. Head to the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum for an educational visit. And when hunger strikes, one of the cheapest places to live in Los Angeles county doesn't disappoint, especially in the good ol' barbecue department. Stop by Domestic for mind-blowing smoked pork rinds, tri-tip, and bacon mac 'n' cheese.

Cudahy

Median home price: $549,060

You’re bound to find this charming city in southeastern L.A. County quite appealing. With a population of approximately 24,000, Cudahy is the second smallest city in the county but has one of the highest population densities of any incorporated city in the country. As one of the cheapest places to live in L.A., the city is steeped in small-town charm and boasts an excellent school system. In addition, the average cost of living in Cudahy is much lower than the statewide average, making this one of the best affordable places to live in Los Angeles.

The town's art scene has grown rapidly in recent years, attracting a larger crowd than its neighboring towns. Stop by the Parrasch Heijnen Gallery or the Roofless Painters for a cultural experience, then check out the up-and-coming food scene. For those who love Italian cuisine, take advantage of visiting La Pasta, a local favorite known for specialty traditional pizzas and pasta.

Paramount

Median home price: $530,170

The city of Paramount, located by Long Beach and South Gate, is vibrant, diverse, and one of the cheapest areas to live in Los Angeles. Paramount has a public library that is currently undergoing some exciting renovations, and more than ten public parks, including Ralph C. Dills Park and All-American Park.

For the perfect Sunday Funday with the fam, plan a bike ride on the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path; the 7.4-mile stretch through the Glendale Narrows will surely liven up your weekend. You can even ride down to Long beach, one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. Take a trip to Spane Park, too, where your kids can admire the fish, ducks, and water turtles. Round out the day by feasting on Mediterranean cuisine as you casually lounge on the spacious outdoor patio at Olive RestoBar.

Carson

Median home price: $680,390

For an easy commute to and from D.T.L.A., make your move to Carson, which is located about 20 miles outside of the city. This suburban neighborhood is one of the best affordable places to live in Los Angeles. Carson is also home to the Dignity Health Sports Park, where the L.A. Galaxy soccer team plays, so purchase season tickets and support your team. The city even offers bus connections to the Los Angeles Metro, ideal for those who use mass transit.

Carson has flourished in recent years and even features duplex and triplex gated communities. There are 19 schools, with the majority being elementary, and two renowned high schools: Banning and Carson High. Spend your Saturday shopping at the South Bay Galleria and Del Amo Fashion Center, then head to Darrow’s New Orleans Grill for fantastic Cajun and Creole specials.

Encino

Median home price: $753,844

Encino is in the San Fernando Valley, not far from famous neighborhoods such as Bel Air and Beverly Hills. Encino not only has some of the most affordable houses in Los Angeles, but it is also one of the best places to live in the region, thanks to its high quality of life. For one, it is one of the safest neighborhoods in the area, making it a great place to raise kids. 

Encino’s combination of trendy restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and good shopping options makes this neighborhood quite attractive to younger residents. Because of its more suburban nature, Encino is far from a concrete jungle and is, in fact, quite close to some lovely green spaces, such as The Japanese Garden and the Westbridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, perfect for a scenic drive. All these qualities come together to make Encino one of the best safe and affordable places to live in Los Angeles, ideal for those on a budget. 

Porter Ranch 

Median home price: $681,550

Despite its name, Porter Ranch is a pretty urbanized town with lots of incredible amenities to offer families thanks to its spacious single-family homes, high-quality schools, and plenty of excellent green spaces, such as Rocky Peak Park. In addition to being one the cheapest places to live in Los Angeles, Porter Ranch is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the region, thanks to a very low crime rate. 

Nature lovers will love the many Los Angeles getaway opportunities all a stone’s throw away, as well as excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics at the nearby Castaic Lake State Recreation Area. Porter Ranch also has plenty of fun spots for the kids, making it a perfect place to raise a family. 

Trying to decide if L. A is your scene? Compare the cost of living in SoCal vs. NorCal to see if you vibe more with the cities in the northern part of the state. If so, check out the most affordable places to live in the Bay Area now.

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