Finding the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles is a top priority for anyone who loves sunny Southern California but does not love the prices that come with it. The cost of living in Los Angeles is famously high, and the numbers prove it. According to CNBC, LA is the 4th most expensive city in the country, with a cost of living index of 149.4, which is 49.4% higher than the national average. Housing plays a huge role in these prices. Average rental data from RentCafe puts the typical LA rent at about $2,765 per month, while Redfin reports a median home price of $1.02 million. That means popular areas like Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, and Downtown LA can feel out of reach for many renters and buyers.
The good news is that there are plenty of affordable LA suburbs and quiet pockets across LA County that offer more space and better prices without giving up quick access to the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles. If you are searching for the most affordable suburbs of Los Angeles, this guide highlights the top spots where your money goes further while still keeping you close to the action.
El Monte | One of the Most Affordable Places to Live in the Los Angeles Area
El Monte consistently stands out as one of the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles, thanks to its central location, lower housing costs, and relaxed suburban lifestyle. Rent and home prices tend to fall well below the metro average, which makes this city one of the top affordable places to live in Los Angeles for families, commuters, and first-time homebuyers.
Despite its affordability, the community offers plenty to do. You can explore local cafes, shop along Valley Mall, or enjoy nearby outdoor escapes like Griffith Park, which is only a short drive away. With easy access to major freeways and the best amenities in the Los Angeles area, El Monte has plenty to offer residents.
- Population: 103,782
- Distance to Los Angeles: 13.8 miles
- Median household income: $64,991
- Median home price: $715,000
- Median rent: $1,856
- Crime rate: 2,253 crimes per 100,000 people (20.8% lower than state average and 3.1% lower than national average)
La Puente | One of the Most Affordable LA Suburbs for Easy West Coast Living
La Puente is often ranked among the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles, offering excellent value without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With home prices and rents that sit well below the metro average, it is one of the cheapest places to live in Los Angeles for buyers and renters who want more space and quieter, tree lined streets.
For anyone craving relaxed West Coast living at a reasonable price, La Puente is a standout choice. As one of the top affordable LA suburbs, La Puente gives residents great proximity to major job centers while helping them avoid the worst traffic of the region. It’s also near major communities like Mission Hills and offers solid public transit connections that make commuting simple.
- Population: 37,404
- Distance to Los Angeles: 20.4 miles
- Median household income: $84,811
- Median home price: $733,000
- Median rent: $1,811
- Crime rate: 1,499 crimes per 100,000 people (47.3% lower than state average and 35.5% lower than national average)
West Covina | A Spacious and Affordable Suburb in the Los Angeles Area
West Covina is a top contender among the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles for those who want suburban comfort paired with easy access to the city. With median home prices around $855,000, it offers more space and better value compared to the higher costs in the urban core. The average rent also tends to be lower than what you would find in the cheapest place to live in Los Angeles proper, which makes it appealing for both renters and buyers.
The city features many areas with quiet residential neighborhoods, plus a vibrant culture shaped by local restaurants, parks, and shopping hubs like Plaza West Covina.
- Population: 105,617
- Distance to Los Angeles: 19.4 miles
- Median household income: $96,525
- Median home price: $855,000
- Median rent: $2,429
- Crime rate: 2,712 crimes per 100,000 people (4.6% lower than state average and 16.7% higher than national average)
Brea | A Spacious, Art-Focused City With Surprising Affordability
Brea might not seem like one of the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles at first glance, since the average home price hovers around $1 million. But look closer, and you will find plenty of pockets where buyers can find more space and better affordability than in many other parts of the metro.
Known as one of the more welcoming Affordable LA suburbs, Brea offers a strong mix of good schools like Brea Olinda High School and Mariposa Elementary, which adds major appeal for families. The city is also loved for its vibrant arts scene, miles of walking trails, and the popular Brea Mall. With a family-friendly neighborhood layout and easier access to Long Beach and nearby job hubs, Brea is a smart choice for anyone searching for cheap places to live in Los Angeles without sacrificing quality or budget.
- Population: 47,337
- Distance to Los Angeles: 24.4 miles
- Median household income: $124,837
- Median home price: $1 million
- Median rent: $2,601
- Crime rate: 3,432 crimes per 100,000 people (20.7% higher than state average and 47.7% higher than national average)
Lancaster | One of the Cheapest Places to Live Near Los Angeles
Lancaster is easily one of the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles, especially for buyers who want real value without leaving the SoCal lifestyle behind. Although it sits about 70 miles from downtown, its median home prices average around $460,000, and rents hover near $1,916, making it one of the best cheap places to live near Los Angeles for both renters and homeowners.
The diverse community enjoys plenty of amenities, with major grocery stores, shopping centers, and local dining that make day-to-day life simple and accessible. Residents can spend weekends exploring the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, strolling The BLVD, or visiting the Aerospace Walk of Honor.
- Population: 166,220
- Distance to Los Angeles: 70.8 miles
- Median household income: $74,991
- Median home price: $460,000
- Median rent: $1,916
- Crime rate: 2,744 crimes per 100,000 people (3.5% lower than state average and 18.1% higher than national average)
Carson | A Well-Located Southern California Suburb With Easy Access to Major Job Hubs
Carson ranks as one of the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles for those who want affordability, convenience, and a great quality of life. With a median house price of around $780,000 and a median household income of $100,041, the area is popular among families and young professionals.
Located near major freeways, Carson provides quick access to top employers across Southern California, including work hubs in Long Beach, Torrance, and the South Bay aerospace corridor. Residents can also pay less than in many LA neighborhoods while staying close to attractions like Dignity Health Sports Park and scenic viewpoints where you can spot the Hollywood Sign.
- Population: 91,122
- Distance to Los Angeles: 18.2 miles
- Median household income: $100,041
- Median home price: $780,000
- Median rent: $2,657
- Crime rate: 3,218 crimes per 100,000 people (13.2% higher than state average and 38.5% higher than national average)
Palmdale | Beautiful High Desert City Offering a Low Cost of Living
Palmdale is consistently ranked among the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles, thanks to cost-friendly housing and some of the most budget-friendly rents in the metro area. With a median home price of $535,000 and median rent around $1,786, residents get far more room to breathe compared to the dense and pricey Downtown LA.
The city offers everyday convenience with plenty of shopping plazas, parks, and commuter options for those who travel by car to nearby job hubs in the Antelope Valley. Locals can enjoy great restaurants, scenic desert landscapes, and family-friendly attractions like DryTown Water Park and the Palmdale Amphitheater.
- Population: 161,412
- Distance to Los Angeles: 62.5 miles
- Median household income: $78,743
- Median home price: $535,000
- Median rent: $1,786
- Crime rate: 2,107 crimes per 100,000 people (25.9% lower than state average and 9.3% lower than national average)
Norwalk | A Great Place for Families Who Want Affordability Close to the City
Norwalk is one of the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles, especially when compared to the high prices in nearby coastal and central neighborhoods. Only 14.9 miles from downtown, it is a great place for commuters and families who want suburban comfort without moving far from the action.
Housing costs sit well below the city average, and residents can easily explore nearby colleges like Cerritos College and Cerritos Community College, plus local attractions such as Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex and Gerdes Park. The city also offers a mix of trendy cafes, parks, and shopping centers that make weekend plans simple and fun.
- Population: 98,084
- Distance to Los Angeles: 14.9 miles
- Median household income: $103,071
- Median home price: $750,000
- Median rent: $2,296
- Crime rate: 2,256 crimes per 100,000 people (20.6% lower than state average and 2.9% lower than national average)
Affordable LA Suburbs Map
Check out this map of the most affordable LA suburbs.
Affordable Suburbs of Los Angeles FAQs
What Are the Cheapest Places to Live Near Los Angeles for Renters?
Some of the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles for renters include El Monte, La Puente, and Palmdale. These suburbs offer rents far below the LA city average while still providing access to shopping, restaurants, and commuter routes.
Which Affordable LA Suburbs Have the Lowest Home Prices?
Palmdale and Lancaster consistently offer some of the lowest home prices in the region, with median prices well under the metro average. These areas are often considered the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles for buyers.
What Is the Commute Like From Affordable Suburbs to Downtown LA?
Commute times vary by suburb, but areas like Norwalk and La Puente offer some of the most manageable drives. These suburbs are close to major freeways and public transit, making it easier to reach Downtown LA.
Are Affordable LA Suburbs Good for Families?
Yes. Suburbs like Brea, Carson, and West Covina offer great schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities. Even though they rank among the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles, they still provide strong community support and plenty of activities.
Get in Touch With Movegreen Today
Now that you know all of the cheapest places to live near Los Angeles, where will you settle down? When you’re ready to make your move, the team at Movegreen is ready to help you every step of the way. To get started with a free quote, call our Los Angeles movers at (866) 684-7336.
