L.A. doesn't seem too expensive... (Fairfax: apartments, rent, condo)

[Marv101]

In spite of the real estate crash here in LA and throughout much of California, a situation which isn't going to improve for a few years, housing is still expensive compared to most major US cities, including DC & Chicago, and much cheaper than SF thanks to zoning and other politically-initiatiated land-use restrictions.

Insurance, parking rates, gasoline and utilities are also higher, as are movie tickets ($12.00 for evening performances, and $8.00-$10.00 for 'bargain' matinees at first-run theatres, although there are still a few $1.00-$4.00 second run movie houses sprinkled throughout the area.

[looksrich]

LA is cheap as hell and that's the reason why I love going there (from NYC) time to time. I get way more for my money.

I was amazed you can get a decent meal/drink <$60 per person at a supposed "it" restaurant.

We then went to a wine bar (by the glass) and noticed that some people were having just a glass or two (very cheap starting at 2$ per glass or so).

In NYC, wine glasses would probably start around 7$ just to pay for the higher lease.

But the most important part is that in LA, you can lull around despite buying just 1 or 2 glasses.

In NY, if you're not constantly drinking; management usually hints at you to GTFO to make room for paying customers: ie no lulling around by the bar.

This makes the LA experience much less pricey and more laid back, which is a plus since a Bud Light in NYC can run ya back $11, tip not included. Ouch.

Furthermore, tipping culture in NYC is obnoxious (doormen, mailmen, barber, super, dogwalker, your board of management if you're in a condo, etc all expect a piece) that you just don't have in LA (which I prefer). Over the years, it really adds up.

Doormen 'low averages' in my building was $100 per for morning shift/ $60 per for night shift. I have 11 different doormen and 3 staff, 1 super. That's well over $2,000 for Xmas. I don't spend that much on my family, wtf.

Also I was surprised at how cheap golf tee times/carts, parking, etc are in some of the better courses in LA. A dumpy, crappy 9 course out in Long Island will run you back double the price just because NY Metro in general feels so much more congested in regards to EVERYTHING, golf courses included.

Another, biggie PROPERTY TAX: CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP. Coming from tri-state the general 1.25% in LA is wayyy low. I seriously need to move, lol.

[Charles]

A lot of what goes into the cost of something (a beer, a haircut, a sandwich, etc) is the cost of rent. A men's haircut in Beverly Hills at $30 really isn't that much different that a men's haircut in Reseda at $15 but the rent in BH sure is higher.

So, when comparing the price of something in "Los Angeles" realize it depends where in Los Angeles. The high rent districts of two cities will probably have similarly price goods and services.

[drshang]

looksrich,

It amazes me that people will put LA in the same category with NYC and SF for cost of living. Heck, to a certain degree it amazes me that people put SF in the same category with NYC (although it's at least somewhat close). LA is much more on par with DC, Chicago, Seattle cost of living than SF or NYC.

One thing I forgot to mention: parking is dirt cheap in LA for a major city. Very rarely will I ever pay for parking anywhere, outside of LAX. It is so easy to find free parking in LA or parking for $1 or $2. Most people are so stupid when it comes to parking that even in "paid for" situations you can find free parking if you drive to a side street that's one block away...two blocks max if it's a busier area. Sure, there are situations when you need to pay for parking, but by in large they are quite rare.

[swelborn408]

I live in a VERY small one bedroom apartment in Koreatown which is a neighborhood just off Wilshire about 3 miles from downtown. The rent is $1135.00 per month and I pay my electricity. If you find a 2 bedroom for $800, I would be very afraid of the neighborhood.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by looksrich

LA is cheap as hell and that's the reason why I love going there (from NYC) time to time. I get way more for my money.

I was amazed you can get a decent meal/drink <$60 per person at a supposed "it" restaurant.

We then went to a wine bar (by the glass) and noticed that some people were having just a glass or two (very cheap starting at 2$ per glass or so).

In NYC, wine glasses would probably start around 7$ just to pay for the higher lease.

But the most important part is that in LA, you can lull around despite buying just 1 or 2 glasses.

In NY, if you're not constantly drinking; management usually hints at you to GTFO to make room for paying customers: ie no lulling around by the bar.

This makes the LA experience much less pricey and more laid back, which is a plus since a Bud Light in NYC can run ya back $11, tip not included. Ouch.

Furthermore, tipping culture in NYC is obnoxious (doormen, mailmen, barber, super, dogwalker, your board of management if you're in a condo, etc all expect a piece) that you just don't have in LA (which I prefer). Over the years, it really adds up.

Doormen 'low averages' in my building was $100 per for morning shift/ $60 per for night shift. I have 11 different doormen and 3 staff, 1 super. That's well over $2,000 for Xmas. I don't spend that much on my family, wtf.

Also I was surprised at how cheap golf tee times/carts, parking, etc are in some of the better courses in LA. A dumpy, crappy 9 course out in Long Island will run you back double the price just because NY Metro in general feels so much more congested in regards to EVERYTHING, golf courses included.

Another, biggie PROPERTY TAX: CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP. Coming from tri-state the general 1.25% in LA is wayyy low. I seriously need to move, lol.

Where can you get a glass of wine for $2.00. We couldn't even get for that at the Moose Lodge in NM.

Nita

[looksrich]

Originally Posted by nmnita

Where can you get a glass of wine for $2.00. We couldn't even get for that at the Moose Lodge in NM.

Nita

meant to say these are tasting portions...so more like 1/4 a glass or so.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by looksrich

meant to say these are tasting portions...so more like 1/4 a glass or so.

ok, that is a little closer to reality..

Nita

[gulfstreamliberal]

Rentwise, LA is very cheap.

I paid $1,800 for a large two bedroom apartment in prime Beverly Hills. In NYC, I pay $3,808 for a very small one bedroom. Both in equally prime areas, Beverly Hills and here in Tribeca.

Purchase wise, its much cheaper than NYC.

I have a friend in LA who purchased a 1,800 sq foot apartment in the Chelsea neighborhood in New York City for $4.5M (PLUS common charges which run an additional $2,000 per month, plus New York City property taxes which are some of the highest in the nation). By comparison, he lives in a 5,500 sq foot home in Beverly Hills for only $2.5M with extremely low property taxes. The common charges for condos here in NYC are ridiculous.

Everything is cheaper in LA. Parking here? $500+ a month. Insurance? Much higher. Drinks, bars, restaurants, groceries...everything is more expensive. And yes, if you don't tip everyone (drivers, doormen, management, mailman)...expect a nasty attitude.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by gulfstreamliberal

Rentwise, LA is very cheap.

I paid $1,800 for a large two bedroom apartment in prime Beverly Hills. In NYC, I pay $3,808 for a very small one bedroom. Both in equally prime areas, Beverly Hills and here in Tribeca.

Purchase wise, its much cheaper than NYC.

I have a friend in LA who purchased a 1,800 sq foot apartment in the Chelsea neighborhood in New York City for $4.5M (PLUS common charges which run an additional $2,000 per month, plus New York City property taxes which are some of the highest in the nation). By comparison, he lives in a 5,500 sq foot home in Beverly Hills for only $2.5M with extremely low property taxes. The common charges for condos here in NYC are ridiculous.

Everything is cheaper in LA. Parking here? $500+ a month. Insurance? Much higher. Drinks, bars, restaurants, groceries...everything is more expensive.

LA isn't cheap. NYC is just ridiculous. I don't know why anyone would want to live there.