Los Angeles, CA, has many unique and exciting neighborhoods, from Shadow Hills to Highland Park to Chinatown that all vary in price. With a thriving film, TV and music industry to a vibrant culinary scene, LA is an enticing city for all types of people.
Los Angeles is home to some of the most iconic film studios, from Warner Bros. to Paramount, and it also hosts a few of the most sought-after amusement parks, such as Universal Studios and Disneyland. These attractions bring in people from other cities around the world to experience the magic LA has to offer.
Neighborhoods in LA are each unique in their own way, from family-friendly to a fun nightlife scene. With truly special neighborhoods, there's something for everyone in Los Angeles. If you're thinking about moving to LA, here are some things to know about the average rent in Los Angeles before you make the move.
Keep in mind all these great neighborhoods offer many options for you to look at from studio apartments to two-bedroom apartments and even houses. Check everything that is listed so you can ensure you find your perfect dwelling place in this bustling metro.
Los Angeles remains one of the priciest cities in America. The current median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is about $3,113 per month. With the housing market seemingly going back to normal, hopefully, prices will start to even out again.
When deciding which area to live in, it's important to keep in mind commute, walkability and general wants and needs such as amenities and bedroom size and count.
Rent prices in Los Angeles can vary greatly anywhere from $1,405 a month for a one-bedroom to $4,054 a month. This all depends on the neighborhood you choose to live in. Generally speaking, cities on the west side of LA are more expensive. Of course, the price will also vary depending on if you're planning to rent one bedroom or a two-bedroom apartment.
Neighborhoods like Oakwood, the Fairfax District, Bel Air and Playa Vista are among the more expensive areas in Los Angeles. These cities often offer gated communities and are in close proximity to beaches and high-end malls and restaurants.
On the other side of town, you'll find more affordable neighborhoods such as Park Le Brea, Nicholas Canyon and Northridge. Neighborhoods on this side of town are further away from the heart of the city and generally more family-friendly.
Situated amongst quaint neighborhoods, beaches and great restaurants, the most expensive neighborhoods and rentals in Los Angeles are on the west side of the city, although some have decreased in recent years. The average price of rent is in the $3,000 to $4,000 a month range in these neighborhoods. In these areas, you'll find a variety of rental options from a studio apartment and one-bedroom apartment, two bedrooms and even to three bedrooms.
At the top spot for the most expensive neighborhood is Oakwood. This neighborhood is right next to the famous Venice Beach. It hosts a wide variety of boutique shops, restaurants and, of course, beautiful beaches.
1-BR Rent Prices and YoY Rent Price Change
1. Oakwood $4,054 — 4.42%
2. Gallery Row $3,901 — N/A
3. Fairfax District* $3,900 — N/A
4. Playa Vista $4,841 — 16.16%
5. Beverly Grove $3,732 — 4.78%
6. Miracle Mile $3,534 — 5.78%
7. Brentwood* $3,516 — 2.81%
8. Westwood Village* $3,423 — N/A
9. Silicon Beach $3,239 — 14.75%
10. West Adams* $2,004 — N/A
With just as much character and charm and more affordable apartments, these neighborhoods of Los Angeles attract renters from all over and fall slightly under the average rent in LA. The average price for rent in these neighborhoods is around $2,000 a month.
Areas like Park La Brea, whose rent prices have fallen, offer an escape from the bustling city and a safe haven for all sorts of people and families. They feature apartments for singles or couples, as well as townhomes perfect for families. Other neighborhoods, such as Nichols Canyon, Miracle Mile, Toluca lake and Koreatown are within a short driving distance of the Sunset Strip, all while being tucked away in the Hollywood Hills.
Average 1-BR Rent Prices and YoY Rent Price Change
1. North Hills East* $1,405 —N/A
2. Northridge West* $1,475 —12.48%
3. Crenshaw $1,785 — 6.30%
4. Northridge $1,796 — 20.26%
5. Greater Toluca Lake* $1,863 — N/A
6. Greater Valley Glen* $1,875 — N/A
7. Victor Heights* $1,876 — N/A
8. Park La Brea $1,876 — 51.07%
9. Northridge East* $1,919 — 1.45%
10. Nichols Canyon* $1,933 — 17.84%
For a more in-depth look at average rent prices in Los Angeles see the chart below.
| Neighborhood | Average Rent Price (1 BR) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Arts District | $3,559.00 | 10.82% |
| Beverly Grove | $3,196.00 | -10.62% |
| Brentwood | $4,661.00 | 23.46% |
| Castle Heights | $3,171.00 | N/A |
| Central Hollywood | $3,278.00 | -09.24% |
| Central La | $3,097.00 | -1.20% |
| Central San Pedro | $3,413.00 | 12.34% |
| Century City | $15,664.00 | 1.49% |
| Chapman Park | $2,869.00 | 8.94% |
| Chinatown | $2,683.00 | 4.35% |
| Civic Center | $3,147.00 | 13.01% |
| Crenshaw | $2,578.00 | 14.83% |
| Downtown Los Angeles | $3,401.00 | -7.20% |
| East of Lincoln | $3,393.00 | 279.06% |
| Exposition Park | $1,775.00 | N/A |
| Fairfax District | $4,749.00 | N/A |
| Fashion District | $2,524.00 | 1.82% |
| Financial District | $2,805.00 | -12.69% |
| Gallery Row | $3,446.00 | -20.65% |
| Greater Toluca Lake | $3,020.00 | 4.30% |
| Greater Wilshire | $3,681.00 | 26.02% |
| Harbor | $3,162.00 | 16.81% |
| Historic Cultural | $2,812.00 | -0.51% |
| Hollywood Hills | $2,972.00 | 3.42% |
| Hollywood Hills West | $2,553.00 | -28.09% |
| Hollywood Studio District | $2,476.00 | 3.79% |
| Jefferson Park | $2,301.00 | -1.10% |
| Koreatown | $2,648.00 | 10.70% |
| Little Tokyo | $2,770.00 | -2.95% |
| Mar Vista | $3,162.00 | 27.83% |
| Mid - Wilshire | $4,190.00 | 23.53% |
| Mid City | $3,210.00 | N/A |
| Mid-City West | $3,903.00 | 17.11% |
| Nichols Canyon | $2,553.00 | 11.53% |
| Noho Arts District | $2,806.00 | -3.19% |
| North Hills East | $1,629.00 | 30.05% |
| North Valley | $2,428.00 | 0.02% |
| Northeast La | $2,612.00 | 10.23% |
| Northridge | $2,354.00 | -1.31% |
| Northridge East | $2,275.00 | -2.35% |
| Northridge West | $2,634.00 | -12.48% |
| Owensmouth | $1,933.00 | -30.84% |
| Oxford Triangle | $3,429.00 | 0.13% |
| Palms | $3,576.00 | 13.61% |
| Park La Brea | $4,457.00 | N/A |
| Pico - Robertson | $3,784.00 | 50.88% |
| Playa Vista | $4,841.00 | 16.16% |
| Sawtelle | $3,149.00 | 12.72% |
| Silicon Beach | $3,668.00 | 10.28% |
| Silver Lake | $2,995.00 | -0.96% |
| South La | $2,280.00 | 5.83% |
| South Robertson | $3,784.00 | 50.88% |
| South Valley | $2,730.00 | 4.89% |
| Toy District | $2,599.00 | 23.82% |
| Warner Center | $2,952.00 | -6.86% |
| West Adams | $2,004.00 | -4.96% |
| West Adams Terrace | $2,411.00 | 3.64% |
| Westdale | $3,290.00 | 5.88% |
| Westlake | $2,957.00 | -24.24% |
| Westlake North | $2,927.00 | 5.92% |
| Westlake South | $2,785.00 | 2.88% |
| Westside | $13,716.00 | 71.81% |
Whether you want to live in a studio in the heart of the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, in a house in Brentwood or closer to the beach or Topanga State Park, Los Angeles has a neighborhood for you. From unique dining experiences to truly vibrant neighborhoods, the City of Angels is waiting for you to find your perfect place to live.
Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.