From the Venice Beach Boardwalk to the Hollywood Hills to the mountainous terrain of Griffith Park, Los Angeles is one of the world’s most captivating cities. Its legendary entertainment, diverse cultural scene, and warm year-round climate attract folks from all over the country, including those in other parts of California. Ready to join their ranks and embrace living in Los Angeles yourself? Before you start collecting packing tips for moving, we’re covering the top 10 things to know first — from the cost of living in Los Angeles to the best places to live to the iconic, must-see attractions.
What To Know About Living in Los Angeles (Before You Move)
Whether you’re relocating from another part of California or will need cross-country moving services, you’ll realize life in the City of Angels is an experience like no other. Before you fully commit, here’s an honest look at what moving to Los Angeles might really look like.
1) The cost of living in Los Angeles is well above the national average
LA’s allure, including its Hollywood glamour and 75-mile Pacific coastline, doesn’t come cheap. Here are some figures to keep in mind when crunching the numbers for your new Los Angeles lifestyle;
The cost of living in Los Angeles is 50% higher than the national average
The annual salary needed for a family of four living in Los Angeles is $272K
The annual salary needed for a single person living in Los Angeles is $115K
In addition, an inflated housing market and the country’s highest state income taxes make L.A. undeniably expensive. But with that said, if you’re moving from New York to Los Angeles, your cost of living will decrease by almost 18.2 percent.
2) Los Angeles is known for its balmy weather — no matter the season
LA has a Mediterranean climate with about 285 days of sunshine and little rainfall. Winters are mild and short, averaging about 45–65 degrees, while the arid summers are long and warm at 75–85 degrees.
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3) Natural disasters have become increasingly common in Los Angeles
It’s important to know that natural disasters are a natural part of living in Los Angeles — and many parts of California — but some are more concerning than others.
For instance, earthquakes are such a common occurrence that many Angelenos aren’t even fazed by them, whereas the recent wildfires that swept across LA County in 2025 left over half a million acres of destruction in their wake. This shouldn’t necessarily deter you from moving to Los Angeles, but you should be prepared. Here’s what to be aware of if you’re moving to California.
Droughts: LA’s semi-arid climate contributes to frequent drought conditions, which can not only exacerbate the risk of wildfires but also cause a respiratory infection called Valley Fever.
Wildfires: Los Angeles is extremely vulnerable to wildfires, and although peak wildfire season is usually between August and October, these natural disasters can occur anytime.
Earthquakes: Southern California has about 10,000 earthquakes per year, and most of them occur in the Los Angeles Basin. While most earthquakes in this area are too small to detect, about 15–20 can surpass a considerable magnitude of 4.0.
Mudslides: When heavy rainfall occurs in Los Angeles after a period of intense drought, the water can quickly saturate all that parched soil, cause it to destabilize and loosen, resulting in mudslides.
4) Crime rates in Los Angeles tend to be higher than other U.S. cities
Given LA’s enormous population density, it won’t come as much of a surprise that crime rates here are 4% higher than the national average, outpacing many other cities.
Fortunately, Los Angeles has seen less violent crime in recent years, and most criminal activity is concentrated within specific areas. Below are three of the safest neighborhoods in LA — and three neighborhoods where crimes are more likely to occur.
Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
5) Los Angeles has a diverse job market full of sought-after industries
LA has tons of diverse, profitable industries. Think: entertainment, digital media, aerospace, real estate, hospitality, tourism, education, international trade, finance, biosciences, technology, healthcare, food services, transportation, fashion, and more. The unemployment rate is 5.9 percent, but about 45,000 new jobs were created within the last year, which bodes well if you’re relocating for a job.
Based on where you’ll be moving to Los Angeles from, you could also see an income boost. The average salary here is around $93K a year — more than you’ll earn in places like Denver, Phoenix, Houston, and Salt Lake City. It’s higher than the California state average, too.
6) The home values and rental prices in Los Angeles are a mixed bag
As mentioned above, LA has one of the most inflated housing markets in the U.S. That said, prices have started to dip — and we may be entering a buyer’s market.
Average Home Value in Los Angeles: $921,789
Average Rent in Los Angeles: $2,765 per month
While the cost of living in Los Angeles still tends to be steeper than most cities, some parts of town are more affordable than others. For context, here’s a quick rundown of the home values and rental prices in a few LA neighborhoods, from least to most expensive.
Average Home Values in Los Angeles Neighborhoods
Downtown: $535K
Pico-Union: $670K
Exposition Park: $761K
Arlington Heights: $813K
East Hollywood: $875K
Brentwood: $2.9M
Average Rent in Los Angeles Neighborhoods
7) The best places to live in Los Angeles have something for everyone
Regardless of where you settle down, this city’s unique, vibrant neighborhoods (all 272 of them, to be exact!) make living in Los Angeles a dream. But with so many options to sort through, how can you determine which is the right choice?
Whether you prefer an urban neighborhood central to the action or a suburban neighborhood with palm tree–flanked streets, here are our top three contenders for the best places to live in Los Angeles.
Sherman Oaks: Best for families
Nestled in the San Fernando Valley less than 20 miles from downtown LA, Sherman Oaks is one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family. While it's close to the major freeways, this suburban enclave is quiet and safe, with highly rated public schools and numerous housing options, from historic bungalows and modern townhomes to sprawling estates.
Looking for entertainment the whole family will love? Check out the Sherman Oaks Galleria, an open-air lifestyle center with over 35 shops and restaurants, a movie theater, and seasonal events, including the Sherman Oaks Street Fair. Kids of all ages are sure to enjoy the sports facilities, nature trails, and other outdoor activities at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center too.
Downtown: Best for young professionals
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is the city’s main financial and commercial hub, which is especially appealing for young professionals. Commuters will love DTLA for its transit score of 98 and walk score of 93, while entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote employees will benefit from all the co-working spaces, many of which connect to high-rise apartments.
Beyond work, DTLA delivers standout nightlife, culture, sports, and global cuisine via places like the Arts District, Crypto.com Arena, and Grand Central Market.
Brentwood: Best for retirees
If you’re planning for retirement in Los Angeles, look no further than Brentwood. This walkable village about 15 miles from Downtown has all the comforts and amenities of an upscale community, along with the relaxed ambiance that makes it one of the best places to live in Los Angeles. Brentwood has excellent healthcare facilities and homes to suit all preferences, including luxury condos, single-family houses, and convenient 55+ developments.
Brentwood will also keep you entertained, no matter what you’re interested in:
the Getty Museum for arts and culture enthusiasts, the Crestwood Hills Recreation Center for nature lovers. You can also enjoy the Brentwood Farmers Market every Saturday and shop the eclectic boutiques at Brentwood Country Mart.
8) Moving to Los Angeles means access to unlimited entertainment
One of the best parts about living in Los Angeles is the sheer amount of fun activities at your fingertips. From athletic events and artistic showcases to nature spectacles and culinary wonders, there’s no shortage of entertainment here.
Here are the 20 of the top attractions every Angeleno should check out:
Hike to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the entire LA skyline.
Enjoy the food trucks and street performers along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Rent a swan boat and catch the sunset while you float along Echo Park Lake.
Savor global delicacies at Smorgasburg LA, the nation’s largest open-air food market.
Browse over 560 collections of historic and contemporary art at the Getty Museum.
See any of LA’s 12 professional sports teams in action at their packed home games.
Wander through a 150-acre urban oasis of native blooms at Descanso Gardens.
Explore the nature trails at Runyon Canyon State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Snap a selfie by the iconic Hollywood Sign tucked in the hills of Griffith Park.
Marvel at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s urban light installation.
Check out the LA Farmers Market’s 100+ restaurants and grocers.
Get behind-the-scenes access to legendary film and TV sets on a studio tour.
Spend a day at Universal Studios or Disneyland.
Savor a pint at Arts District Brewing Company after perusing the local street murals.
Check out the elaborate storefronts and lavish designer boutiques on Rodeo Drive.
Celebrate the annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Little Tokyo each summer.
Experience the comedy clubs, music venues, and nightlife spots on the Sunset Strip.
Soak up the sun at all 20 beaches in LA, from Malibu Surfrider to Marina Del Rey.
Catch a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre, a Hollywood institution for almost 100 years.
Discover the stories behind classic films at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
9) The film, music, and television scene in Los Angeles is simply iconic
We can’t talk about LA without paying tribute to its storied influence on film, music, and television. The City of Angels has been hailed as an entertainment capital since the early twentieth century, when silent films hit the silver screen and put LA on the map. By the 1920s, the city became a mecca for studios like Paramount, Walt Disney, Universal, and Warner Brothers. More than a century later, Los Angeles is still the epicenter of movie magic, full of nostalgic film landmarks.
Music soon followed as a cultural force in Hollywood, starting in the 1950s. From there, we saw the “California Sound” of the 1960s, the hip-hop revolution of the 1980s, and now, a healthy mix of indie, pop, and electronic. LA also hosts major music festivals, like Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival at Dodger Stadium, and is home to legendary record labels like Capitol Records and Def Jam.
Television also entered the LA zeitgeist in the mid-1950s as TV studios began to relocate from New York to Hollywood — and has since evolved through sitcoms, reality TV, and late-night shows .
10) Consider Los Angeles your launchpad to other cool destinations
While the City of Angels is a premier destination on its own, living in Los Angeles also makes it easier to explore other alluring cities and states on the West Coast — whether you catch a flight at the LAX international airport (less than 20 miles from Downtown) or hop on one of a dozen convenient freeways for an unforgettable trip to these bucket list–worthy locations.
Popular places to visit from LA:
Honolulu, HI: 6-hour flight from LAX
Seattle, WA: 3-hour flight from LAX; 17.5-hour drive on I-5 N
Portland, OR: 2.5-hour flight from LAX; 15-hour drive on I-5 N
Bend, OR: 2-hour flight from LAX; 13-hour drive on I-5 N
Lake Tahoe, CA: 7.5-hour drive on US-395 N
Sedona, AZ: 7-hour drive on I-10 E
Grand Canyon, AZ: 7-hour drive on I-40 E
San Francisco, CA: 6-hour drive on I-5 N
Yosemite, CA: 5-hour drive on CA-99 N
Las Vegas, NV: 4-hour drive on I-5 N
Palm Springs, CA: 2-hour drive on I-10 E
San Diego, CA: 2-hour drive on I-5 S
Pros and Cons of Living in Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles comes with hard-to-resist selling points — but just like anywhere else, it also has some drawbacks. So, before you move out here, first make sure to weigh these top pros and cons of living in Los Angeles.
Pros of Living in Los Angeles
The weather is sunny and warm almost all year round.
The diverse entertainment options are unbeatable.
The economy is strong with a wide range of industries.
The commute to other cities is easy and accessible.
The best places to live in Los Angeles will suit any preference.
Cons of Living in Los Angeles
The cost of living in Los Angeles is acutely expensive.
The home and rental prices are still extremely high.
The crime rate is above the national average.
Natural disasters can be frequent and intense.
Moving to Los Angeles: Your Options
If LA seems like the right fit, it’s worth thinking ahead about how to move to Los Angeles — not just what you’ll do once you’re here. Here are the most common moving options to consider:
Rental Truck
Renting a truck is usually the most budget-friendly route — but also the most hands-on. You’ll be responsible for packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything by yourself. While this could save you some money upfront, you may incur other expenses, like gas and toll roads, along the way. Navigating traffic, parking, and long-distance travel in and around LA can also add extra stress to your move.
Full-Service Movers
Full-service movers handle the entire process — packing, loading, transporting, and unloading — for you. This is both the most convenient and efficient option, particularly if you’re moving long-distance or juggling work and relocating your whole family at the same time. With professional long-distance movers on hand, moving to LA can be a whole lot simpler and a lot less strenuous.
The Cost of Moving to Los Angeles
LA attracts newcomers from all over — from all the way in the Northeast to nearby cities in California. Here’s a breakdown of where many people are moving to LA from, and what their move could realistically cost.
Moving to Los Angeles from other California cities
Many people relocating within California move to LA for the job opportunities, particularly in media and entertainment, as well as the cultural and creative scene. While in-state moves are typically more affordable than interstate moves, the costs can vary depending on how much you own. Here’s what you can generally expect to pay for an average-sized two-bedroom home.
Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles
The distance between San Francisco and LA is just under 400 miles — less than a six-hour drive. You can expect to pay $1,100 – $3,100 for full service movers when moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles for an average two-bedroom home.*
Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles
San Diego is 120 miles south of LA — depending on traffic, you can get there in around two hours. For a two-bedroom home, you can expect to pay $1,800–$4,400 for full-service movers when moving from San Diego to LA.*
Moving to Los Angeles from cities in other states
People moving to Los Angeles from outside California are often drawn to LA not only for the culture and the job market but also for the climate, the laidback lifestyle, and the option to buy or rent a larger home.
Moving from New York to Los Angeles
The distance between New York City and Los Angeles is approximately 2,800 miles — a true cross-country move. You can expect to pay $6,000–$7,000 for full service movers moving from New York to LA.
Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
Chicago and Los Angeles are about 2,000 miles apart. You can expect to pay $5,500–$6,500 for full service movers moving from Chicago to LA.
Moving from Washington DC to Los Angeles
The distance between Washington, DC, and Los Angeles is roughly 2,650 miles. You can expect to pay $6,300–$7,300 for full service movers moving from Washington DC to LA.
Living in Los Angeles FAQs
Is Los Angeles a good city to live in?
Los Angeles is a beautiful city many people love living in — but whether it’s good for you will depend on what you want. LA is lauded for its culture, beaches, sunshine, food, and entertainment scene. But it also has heavy traffic, high living costs, and other challenges that may be a dealbreaker for some.
What salary is needed to live in Los Angeles?
Compared to many cities across the country, a comfortable salary in Los Angeles is very high. Based on the 50/30/20 budget rule and data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in LA would need to make at least $115K to not only cover necessities but also save some money and indulge in some wants (e.g., shopping and entertainment).
What is the biggest threat to LA?
The biggest threat to LA is probably the growing environmental dangers like wildfires, earthquakes, and pollution. Beyond that, economic factors — specifically, the lack of affordability — are placing a significant strain on the city.
What should you know before moving to LA?
Before moving to LA, keep in mind that LA’s extremely high cost of living and housing prices mean budgeting is crucial, and having a job lined up helps. Also, make sure you have a car to get around — and buckle up for the traffic congestion.
Ready to Move to LA?
If perennial sunshine, phenomenal entertainment, and pristine beaches sound like your dream come true, and you can afford the home prices, then moving to Los Angeles is so worth it — especially if you’re from a state with an even steeper cost of living.
When it’s time to make your LA debut, Colonial Van Lines can streamline the process. With our extensive experience, we’ve fine-tuned each step of long-distance relocation — from packing up your old house to transporting, unloading, and unpacking. Visit us online for a fast, free moving quote today!
*Colonial Van Lines does not offer intrastate moving services within the state of California.