Moving to L.A

[Think (Freedom)]

And how much should i earn to be able to pay taxes and rental(up to $1500)?

Generally, apartment complexes ask that you make at least 2.5 - 3 times more than what the rent is to cover it. So if you're paying $1500 a month, you need at least $3800 - $4500 a month, and thats still before taxes.

[AlexanderT]

Originally Posted by DragonOfIllFaith

Generally, apartment complexes ask that you make at least 2.5 - 3 times more than what the rent is to cover it. So if you're paying $1500 a month, you need at least $3800 - $4500 a month, and thats still before taxes.

Guess it's almost impossible to earn so much in my case.What if i will have a roommate?

[Think (Freedom)]

A roommate is definitely a better idea. You can find a roommate and probably pay less than 1000 a month in the areas you want. And Universities will sometimes have bulletin boards with people looking for roommates, so you can try finding one that way. Or you can look on craigslist.

[Kellycantread]

Why pay $1500 a month when you can pay $1000 or so a month for rent? If you are diligent and do your research you can find an apartment in West L.A. or Santa Monica for that price. I used to live in Santa Monica for 9 years and paid only $800 a month. Some of the best resources for finding an apartment are westsiderentals.com : recycler.com : latimes.com : and laweekly.com
It may not be a bad idea to have a roommate. Not only for the money break, but also to have someone show you the in's and out's of the city.

[CBaillo]

are you set on l.a.? if you just want to be in the US there are other places to live that are much cheaper, and you can afford to have your own place yourself w/ no roomate.

but if you are dead set on l.a. theres only two ways you can make it only bringing home 14-15/hr. roomate or finding a dirt cheap place to live, but i can almost guarantee you it wont be in a very nice area.

There is more to life and cost of living than your rent and taxes. More than likely you'll need a form of transportation. You can buy out an old piece of crap, or get a new car, in either case that will result in needing money to buy, or having money for monthly payments. There are groceries, UTILITIES (phone/electricity/water/gas), car payments, living expenses (dining, shopping, necessities), GASOLINE, etc.

[AlexanderT]

Originally Posted by CBaillo

are you set on l.a.? if you just want to be in the US there are other places to live that are much cheaper, and you can afford to have your own place yourself w/ no roomate.

but if you are dead set on l.a. theres only two ways you can make it only bringing home 14-15/hr. roomate or finding a dirt cheap place to live, but i can almost guarantee you it wont be in a very nice area.

There is more to life and cost of living than your rent and taxes. More than likely you'll need a form of transportation. You can buy out an old piece of crap, or get a new car, in either case that will result in needing money to buy, or having money for monthly payments. There are groceries, UTILITIES (phone/electricity/water/gas), car payments, living expenses (dining, shopping, necessities), GASOLINE, etc.

i think i am. ok,i will consider a roommate from now.I've made another research and found many apts for 1000$ .Also i've checked job listings,it offers 28-36K/year,is it enough?And as i said before,my parents will be supporting me with 1000$ every month.I will use public transport instead of a car within the first year.

[AlexanderT]

Originally Posted by Kellycantread

Some of the best resources for finding an apartment are westsiderentals.com : recycler.com : latimes.com : and laweekly.com

Thanks,these are very useful.

[motoman]

Originally Posted by AlexanderT

And how much should i earn to be able to pay taxes and rental(up to $1500)?

The rule of thumb is that you should make at least three times your rent. So if you were going to pay $1,500 per month in rent, you need to make $4,500 per month, or $54,000 per year. $54,000 per year, assuming you work 52 weeks, with no vacation, is $26 per hour. That's almost double what you expect to make. It isn't reasonable.

[AlexanderT]

Ok,many things are clear now.Seems it will be hard time,but i believe i could cope with all the hardships i will face.Thank you for your help and advices

[omar44]

Is it possible to rent a 2 bedroom, two bath, in a decent safe area of Santa monica for under $2000.00