Adjusting from a "low cost" state to Los Angeles (Lancaster: sales, apartment)

[wehotex]

Does anybody know of any "bargains" out there that help the dollar go a little further to match the low costs of cheaper cities? For example, to my surprise, I found out that Chipotle Grill offers the same prices for their food as back home, as does Starbucks and Pollo Loco. Makes me think that ppl back home are subsidizing Californians, LOL. Some of the grocery store items can be found at Walmart or Food4Less for similar prices like the lower cost ones back home. Clothing appears to be cheaper or at least the same price. There are also many thrift stores with some really good finds that rich ppl donate.

[HarryKerryJr]

Tons of bargains to be had. The high cost of living is housing costs, income tax, very high vehicle registration for late model cars (based upon value of vehicle), automobile insurance can be high, again for late model vehicles, gasoline is high. Other than those and perhaps a few I've forgotten, if you eat at home and avoid eating out and pack your own lunch, you can have control over those expenses. Go to Dollar Tree, Wal Mart, Target, 99 cent store, etc. The restaurants are great here, but they can be expensive. So, after those necessary expenses that can't be avoided, you may not be left with very much for the month. It's the lack of disposable income that can be the damper on your lifestyle. Of course, there a some who can only make this work by having a roommate. Good luck

[mayorhaggar]

Depending on where you live, not having to spend $100 to $200 a month to cool or heat your apartment really helps.

[nmnita]

I don't find food prices, in restaurants or the grocery store much different in So Ca. than anywhere else. Depending on the season produce can be cheaper. As mentioned, most places in the state utilities run less because of the balanced temp between winter and summer. It is housing, gas, insurance and in many cases taxes that will cut into anyone's budget. Unfortunately these are things items you can't adjust for or control. This is why many people say, before relocating from a now COL state to someplace like Ca, make sure the new job, if you are still working will pay you at least 50% more than what you are making. Of course I am generalizing. Every situation is different, being single versus married, with or without kids, overall CC payments, etc.

[pears]

A must is the ninety-nine cents store. Only the large chain with the purple and pink color scheme. You will be shocked by the great deals in stock.

As for real deals on groceries. Check out WinCo Foods, I know they have one in Lancaster, and I am assuming there must be other ones in SoCal as well.

[ccm123]

The high costs are: gasoline, housing, insurance and the fact that most things are just a little higher due to the higher cost of living.

[jm1982]

True for certain things I've heard L.A is cheaper , if you want to buy a used car for example it could be cheaper in L.A because of the large supply of cars. I have heard this is true.

Regarding other states subsidizing our prices.. I'm not sure if that's necessarily true. Think about the high volume potential of an El Pollo Loco or Starbucks in metro L.A versus in some small city. Higher sales lead to higher profits, because the fixed costs are mostly the same , rent , utilities, etc. whether you sell 1 burger or 10,000.

For finding deals on food , groupon is pretty good. Also restaurant.com is pretty good (and you can also get discount codes for 80% their price.)

BlackboardEats.com - Los Angeles - handpicked deals from food editors who won't settle - Gives you usually like 30% and other perks on usually good restaurants.

The yelp app also has a lot of deals for restaurants/bars ,etc

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by pears

A must is the ninety-nine cents store. Only the large chain with the purple and pink color scheme. You will be shocked by the great deals in stock.

As for real deals on groceries. Check out WinCo Foods, I know they have one in Lancaster, and I am assuming there must be other ones in SoCal as well.

I've always been a big fan of the 99 cent ONLY stores. There are a lot more now than there used to be. I went to the original one the other night on fairfax. They don't have every brand that I was looking for though, but they are a big help.

[genjy]

I think SoCal is expensive in terms of housing and fuel... and taxes.

Everything else (clothing, food, furniture, cars, etc.) is probably the same if not cheaper than as in other states.

Market and volume aside, we have a couple nearby seaports, so trucks and trains don't have to travel like 1000 miles inland to deliver oversea goods.