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Old 04-29-2008, 10:14 PM
 
64 posts, read 133,939 times
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I am a single girl looking to move to LA. My prospective jobs pays 40 grand. Will that be enough money to survive in a nicer area like Marina Del Ray, Santa Monica, or West Hollywood?
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Old 04-29-2008, 10:43 PM
 
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Its OK (not great) with at least one roommate.
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Old 04-29-2008, 11:07 PM
 
Location: Oakland, CA
190 posts, read 443,414 times
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I'll second the above. 50k is probably the threshold for living "comfortably", even in a smallish studio. Not that it can't be done for less, but sacrifices will more than likely have to be made (i.e. not-so-nice neighborhood, more roomates, and the like).
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Old 04-30-2008, 01:15 AM
 
1,297 posts, read 5,509,223 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ModelChick View Post
I am a single girl looking to move to LA. My prospective jobs pays 40 grand. Will that be enough money to survive in a nicer area like Marina Del Ray, Santa Monica, or West Hollywood?
You can manage a nice studio in those areas. Not too sure about the marina though.

Also consider West LA along wilshire & santa monica blvd either east or west of 405, Westwood, Fairfax area around wilshire, melrose, & beverly blvd.
Avoid Santa Monica between the 10 fwy and pico, from lincoln to cloverfield on the east border.
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Old 04-30-2008, 08:07 AM
 
Location: Home of King Willie the not so great
4,189 posts, read 3,481,179 times
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Do a budget and find out how much you need to live on. You can go to some websites and calculate your take home pay. That should give you some perspective.
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Old 04-30-2008, 10:05 AM
 
Location: South Bay
7,226 posts, read 22,193,073 times
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i lived in playa del rey when i made about that much. i had a car payment and was able to save up for my wife's engagement ring at the time. however, i did have a roomate and we had a very good deal on our unit considering our proximity to the beach. if you can find a similar situation, you should be fine. you might not be in your ideal neighborhood, but there are plenty of nice areas to live in that aren't santa monica, marina del rey or west hollywood.
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Old 04-30-2008, 08:52 PM
 
Location: California
3,172 posts, read 6,752,614 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ModelChick View Post
I am a single girl looking to move to LA. My prospective jobs pays 40 grand. Will that be enough money to survive in a nicer area like Marina Del Ray, Santa Monica, or West Hollywood?
Look in culver city.
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Old 04-30-2008, 10:12 PM
 
Location: Hot Springs, AR
5,612 posts, read 15,113,639 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amc760 View Post
Look in culver city.
Excellent suggestion. I was about to make it myself...
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Old 04-30-2008, 11:25 PM
 
5 posts, read 12,779 times
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Default I live near Culver City

I recently moved to Culver City Area from Phoenix, AZ. The increase in pay makes up for the increase in some living expenses...and some bills are actually cheaper in L.A. I am doing the same thing in L.A. as I was in Phoenix
I chose to live near Culver City (I still have an LA address) for a few reasons.
Mainly, its not too far from anything and I get alot more apartment for my money.

Heres the comparison to cost of living (per month):

California:
Income - $52,000/yr
Rent - $1200 (1 bedroom apt 770 sq ft washer/dryer, hardwood floors, fireplace)
Renter's Insurance - $30/mo (includes Earthquake coverage)
Car Insurance - $180 (same coverage levels as in AZ but $250 deductible instead of $500)
Electric - $65/month average
Gas - $20
Gas for Car - $60/mo (my commute is MUCH shorter now than when I lived in AZ)
Cable/Internet/Tivo - Total $85.00
Groceries (for 1 person) - $150

Arizona:
Income - $42,000/yr
Rent - $900 (1 bedroom apt 1000 sq ft washer/dryer)
Renter's Insurance - $12.50/mo (no Earthquake coverage needed)
Car Insurance - $241 (same coverage levels as in CA but $500 deductible instead of $250)
Electric - $110/month average (more expensive, but I did have a bigger apartment than the one I have in LA
Gas - $0
Gas for Car - $110/mo (my commute is MUCH shorter now than when I lived in AZ)
Cable/Internet/Tivo - Total $130.00
Groceries (for 1 person) - $120

I think it would be doable to live off 40k/year you just have to cut back a few expenses. Maybe get a smaller apartment and no cable/internet...
Good luck!
You can always get an easy part time job a couple days a week!
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Old 05-01-2008, 12:28 AM
 
Location: San DiFrangeles, Ca
489 posts, read 1,914,552 times
Reputation: 256
In California most apartments will only rent to you if the rent is 35% of your gross pay, which at $40,000/yr is $1165/m. However to make sure you can live more comfortably I would consider 35% of your net pay, which would be approx $815/m. With a roommate you can probably find a decent place at $1630ish and keep the amenities you want. Good Luck!
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