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27 Pros and Cons of Living in Los Angeles in 2024
Have you wondered about the pros and cons of living in Los Angeles? With its famously good weather, beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and more delicious restaurants than you could ever eat at, it’s no wonder so many people consider making the “City of Angels” home!
Don’t start packing just yet – there’s a lot to consider before making the move.
The majority of days in LA are sunny, but did you know that LA is experiencing one of its worst droughts ever? Or that the average LA commuter drives more than 30 minutes to work each day? There are so many things to know before moving to LA.
I have lived in over 18 countries in the last 10 years. I’ve moved a lot, and I know what to look for in a new city.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about living in Los Angeles – from how you want to spend your weekends to how bad crime is in the city, allowing you to decide if moving to Los Angeles is right for you!
🛫 Wanna live in Los Angeles? Book your flight here!
1. Pro: LA Weather
Living in Los Angeles means 284 sunny days each year, and only about 36 rainy days per year (3-4x less than New York or Chicago).
LA summers are hot, with highs averaging around 27-30 ℃ (80-86℉), but it’s a dry heat with very little humidity and nearly every building has central air conditioning.
It usually reaches 20℃ (68℉) during the winter days, with temperatures dropping at night.
2. Con: Only Two-ish Seasons
Los Angeles has two seasons: summer and winter. But it’s not the winter you’d expect. It’s a short season with a bit of rain and temperatures below 15℃ – but locals treat it like it’s below freezing. The consistently warm weather in winter is a pro of living in Los Angeles – and a pro for your closet without that winter parka!
3. Pro: No Hurricanes, Blizzards, or Tornadoes
Living in LA means you don’t have to worry about hurricanes, blizzards, or tornadoes. No rushing to the store to stock up on food and water before a big storm comes rolling in, shoveling snow out of your driveway, or running to the tornado shelter in the middle of the night.
4. Con: Earthquakes, Droughts, and Wildfires
Southern California experiences about 30 earthquakes daily, but they’re usually so small that they can’t be felt. Big earthquakes occur every couple of years, causing some damage. Earthquakes are something you get used to when you live in Los Angeles.
More dangerous and more common are the wildfires, caused by climate change and drought – one of the biggest disadvantages of living in Los Angeles.
Drought has other impacts, too. If you have a lawn, you will have restrictions on how often you can water it. And then when it finally does rain after a long drought, it’s not uncommon to have mudslides or floods in certain areas of the city.
5. Pro: So Many Unique Neighborhoods to Choose From
One big advantage of moving to Los Angeles is that there are more than 200 different neighborhoods to choose from, so you will find one that matches your vibe (and your budget)!
The best places to live in Los Angeles are:
- Westwood
- Culver City
- Santa Monica
- West Hollywood
- Silver Lake
- Los Feliz
- Echo Park
6. Con: LA is an Expansive, Sprawling City
Los Angeles spans 1,216 sq. km (469.5 sq. mi) and it can take a long time to drive from one part of the city to another – that’s just the reality of living in Los Angeles.
People tend to stick to their own neighborhoods, so you need to make friends who live in the same part of LA. And if you do have friends across town, you’ll need to make more of an effort to see each other and be patient about canceled plans or tardiness due to traffic.
7. Pro: Always Something to Do
One of the biggest advantages of living in Los Angeles is that there are so many things to do:
- Over 90 museums (some of the best in the world!)
- Music venues and festivals
- 20 beaches
- Beautiful mountains
- Theaters
- 10 professional sports teams
- Amazing restaurants and nightlife
Every concert tour comes to LA at some point, and there are often surprise or special one-night shows. You can sweat it out at an outdoor group exercise class in one of the parks, or if you want something more unique, try catching a summer movie in the Hollywood Cemetery.
8. Con: Traffic is Bad in Los Angeles
LA is ranked as the 5th worst city to drive in the US based on the amount of time commuters tend to spend in traffic. It’s estimated that an LA driver loses around 95 hours every year to traffic.
There are things you can do to alleviate the pain of driving in LA. For example, a lot of companies are flexible with your hours, so you can time your commute to be before and after rush hour.
Pro tip: Download your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks to make driving more fun. And use the Waze app to be directed around traffic and accidents.
9. Pro: LA Loves Dogs
If you have a dog moving with you, or if you have always wanted to get one, then LA is the right place for you! A lot of Angelenos have dogs because they’re welcome in so many places.
The majority of bars and restaurants are happy to have your furry friend join in the outdoor seating area, and may drop off a bowl of water and some delicious dog treats! I’ve even heard of some restaurants having a dog menu.
And with more hiking trails, parks, and dog-friendly beaches than you’ll ever have time to visit, your pup will easily fall in love with LA! My dog Theo thinks this is one of the best reasons to move to Los Angeles.
10. Con: Public Transportation is Limited
One big disadvantage of living in Los Angeles is the lack of good public transportation options.
LA has a metro, but it’s really only useful for getting between Hollywood and Downtown LA, or between Santa Monica and Downtown, and it’s not consistently safe. If you want to go to SoFi Stadium or the Forum or LAX, it won’t help.
If you decide to move to LA, you’re going to need a car. And you should be prepared for high gas prices, expensive parking, and pricey insurance. On the positive side, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available.
🚗 You’ll need a car in LA. Find the most affordable car rentals on this platform!
11. Pro: LAX International Airport
If you love traveling as much as I do, then having the second-largest airport in the US nearby is one of the biggest pros of living in LA! You will have your choice of over 60 airlines that travel to over 140 destinations, with so many great domestic and international vacation spots within reach (often without a layover!).
On the downside, getting to and from LAX can often be tough. Traffic around the airport is almost always bad, and even worse during rush hour.
It’s a running joke in LA that if someone drives you to or from LAX, they must love you. And if you love them, you won’t ask them to. But if you love to travel, you’ll find a way to LAX, and the world will be your oyster!
🛫 Wanna live in Los Angeles? Check out the most affordable flights here!
12. Con: Not Enough Beachtime
One of the perks of living in Los Angeles is the nearby beaches. If you love soaking up the sun with your toes in the sand or catching the perfect wave on your surfboard, you’ll love LA.
The majority of people in LA don’t spend nearly as much time on the beach as you’d think because they’re too busy.
If the beach is really important to you, make it a priority! And when you do make it, stick around for a gorgeous sunset.
13. Pro: Awesome Weekend Getaways Near LA
One of the best parts of living in LA is its location, allowing you to easily explore many different places within just a couple of hours’ drive. From exploring beautiful San Diego to wine tasting in Santa Barbara to hiking in Joshua Tree to partying in Las Vegas, there are countless places to visit near Los Angeles.
14. Pro: Outdoor Activities A Plenty
Being able to spend time outside is one of the top reasons to live in Los Angeles. From beach volleyball to hiking trails to snowboarding at nearby Mountain High to beautiful campgrounds, you’ll be active all year round.
Also, this is a great way to meet people. Join a casual sports league or attend a hiking Meetup – you’ll make new friends easily!
📱Wanna meet new friends in LA? Join Meetups today!
15. Con: Poor Air Quality
Los Angeles has some of the worst air pollution in the United States. The air you’re breathing may contain unhealthy pollutants, mainly caused by fossil fuels and wildfires.
The poor air quality is worse in the summer months and is especially bad when there are active wildfires. This is one of the biggest cons of living in Los Angeles.
The good news is it is getting better over time, with more and more good air quality days each year.
You can easily check the air quality online or with a weather app. If the quality is poor, try to stay inside.
16. Pro: LA’s Food Scene
LA’s food game is strong, mostly thanks to the wide availability of great produce and the diversity of its residents.
From the abundance of great sushi restaurants to mouth-watering tacos, LA has so much to offer any foodie! Want great Chinese food? There are more than 20 styles of Chinese food in this city. Or maybe you’re in the mood for a bowl of ramen? Head over to the Little Osaka neighborhood in West LA.
There are great farmer’s markets, coffee houses, an abundance of vegan and vegetarian options, and tons of great restaurants to try, from the ones with a Michelin-star to the underrated food trucks.
17. Con: High Cost of Living in Los Angeles
One of the biggest cons of living in LA is it’s expensive! The average cost to rent a home in LA is $2,786 USD. And to buy a home in Los Angeles, the average cost is $845,596 USD.
You do get more space than you would in other cities like New York. If you put two similarly priced apartments next to each other, the one in LA likely comes with a bit more square footage, central air conditioning, and maybe even an outdoor area and a parking space.
And don’t forget you’ll need to pay for a car, gas, and car insurance, too.
18. Pro: Lots of Jobs
Los Angeles is home to a lot of different companies, which is great when it’s time to start looking for work. It’s the center of show business, with all of the major studios based there.
There are also big tech companies like Google, Hulu, Netflix, and Youtube with offices in town. Healthcare and educational institutions employ a lot of Angelenos too. And big financial companies also have a presence, like JP Morgan Chase.
But keep in mind the job market is extremely competitive. With about 3.8 million residents, there will likely be a lot of applicants.
👩🏻💻 Looking for a job in Los Angeles? Find your dream job here!
19. Pro: Wages Are High in Los Angeles
The minimum wage in Los Angeles is very high compared to the rest of the US at $16 USD/hour. In 2021, the average hourly wage for LA workers was $31.70 USD, which is about 13% higher than the country’s average.
So although LA is an expensive city to live in, the salaries tend to be aligned with the cost.
Combine that with all of the other benefits of living in Los Angeles like great weather and an abundance of outdoor activities, and you have yourself a pretty great quality of life!
👩🏻💻 Looking for a high-paying job in Los Angeles? Find your dream job here!
20. Con: High Taxes in LA
California’s median property tax rates are the 17th-lowest out of the 50 states.
But it also has the highest gasoline tax in the country (which is part of the reason so many people are now driving electric vehicles) and a high sales tax. Income tax rates aren’t too bad (up to 13.3% if you’re earning more than $1 million USD).
Nobody likes paying taxes, so it’s something to be mindful of when deciding whether LA is right for you.
21. Pro: Access to World-Renowned Hospitals
When you’re living in LA, you’ll have access to some of the best healthcare in the world.
Several of the top-rated hospitals in the United States are in Los Angeles, including Cedars-Sinai, UCLA, City of Hope, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. And they have healthcare networks that span throughout the city.
As with all healthcare in the US, care comes at a price. So be sure you have comprehensive health insurance.
🏨 Get a quote from Safety Wing and make sure your health insurance is top-notch before moving to LA!
22. Con: Crime Rates Are High
Los Angeles’s crime rate is very high compared to other metro areas of the same size, which applies to both violent and property crime rates.
Like any big city, some neighborhoods have more crime than others, so do your research before you move.
There are things you can do to stay safe, such as being mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas, parking your car in well-lit, safe streets, and not walking alone late at night.
Most people who live in LA don’t have any major problems, but the stats are scary.
23. Pro: Laid Back Vibes
LA is super laid back, and it’s very noticeable. If you love wearing athleisure, then LA is the perfect city for you! It’s normal to see people in yoga pants and t-shirts walking around town.
A lot of companies have a casual or business-casual dress code, too.
And the people are extremely friendly, which you don’t always find in a big city.
And when it comes to working, California as a whole has a great work-life balance compared to the rest of the country.
24. Con: LA is the “City of Broken Dreams”
Moving to LA is more challenging than some people are prepared for, especially if everything they know about LA came from the movies. But not you, because you’re reading this article!
One of the less-flattering nicknames for the City of Angels is the “City of Broken Dreams” because so many aspiring actors have found disappointment in LA.
It’s hard to come from a smaller town and realize you’re a small fish in a big pond, as they say. So if you’re planning to pursue a career in entertainment, be prepared for an uphill battle!
25. Pro: LA is Diverse
One of the best parts of living in LA is that you’ll be surrounded by people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It’s one of the most diverse cities in the country!
LA is the proud home of the biggest communities of people from other nations who live outside their home countries.
Check out these international neighborhoods:
- Chinatown
- Koreatown
- Little Tokyo
- Little Armenia
Los Angeles is also extremely diverse when it comes to race, with about 48% of the population identifying as Hispanic, 29% as White, 12% as Asian, and 8% as Black.
It’s a “transplant” city, so a lot of the people you meet will be from somewhere else (just like you!).
26. Con: Dating Is Tough
There are so many people to meet in LA, and you can meet people with every type of interest.
But dating in LA is tough. There are a lot of beautiful, talented people, and it feels like they aren’t genuine in their search for love.
When you start dating, it feels like a lot of people are only biding their time until the next shiny object comes along, or until they make it big in Hollywood.
Then when you factor in how long it takes to drive from one neighborhood to the next, the dating pool shrinks even more. Love is still possible, it just takes more time and effort.
📱Wanna meet new people? Join Meetups in Los Angeles and you might even find your true love!
27. Pro: Celebrity-Sightings
It’s a total cliche that there are famous people everywhere in LA, but it’s a cliche for a reason! You probably won’t see celebrities every day, but the longer you live in LA, the more you’ll spot them. And it will be when you least expect it.
Wrap-Up: Pros and Cons of Living in Los Angeles
Is living in Los Angeles worth it? From consistently sunny weather that allows you to enjoy the outdoors, to LA’s proximity to so many top destinations, and all of the delicious food and things to do, YES!
It’s important to be realistic about challenges such as the cost of living, the time you will spend commuting in traffic, and crime rates when deciding if it’s the right move for you.
After reading through the pros and cons of moving to Los Angeles, it’s clear the pros outweigh the cons. Whether you’re looking for a change of pace or the next adventure, LA is exactly what you need!
🛫 Wanna live in Los Angeles? Check out the most affordable flights now!
Living in the USA Guides
- Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina
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- Pros and Cons of Living in California
- Pros and Cons of Living in Washington State
- Pros and Cons of Living in Montana
- Pros and Cons of Living in Chicago
- Pros and Cons of Living in Dallas
- Pros and Cons of Living in New Orleans
- Pros and Cons of Living in Los Angeles
- Pros and Cons of Living in Las Vegas
- Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa
- Pros and Cons of Living in Vermont
- Pros and Cons of Living in Seattle
- Pros and Cons of Living in Maine
- Pros and Cons of Living in Phoenix, Arizona
- Pros and Cons of Living in the USA
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado
- Pros and Cons of Living in Texas
- Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska
- Best Pros and Cons of Living in Oregon
- Pros and Cons of Living in San Antonio
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado Springs
- Pros and Cons of Living in Nashville
- Pros and Cons of Living in Florida
- Living in Toronto vs. Chicago: Which is the Better City?
- Living in Puerto Rico Pros and Cons: Should You Move to PR?
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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
