8 cheap places to live near LA
8 cheap places to live near LA: Everyone knows Los Angeles is expensive — but if you expand your search just a bit, you can find affordable living options near LA that still keep you close to the city’s energy, jobs, and culture. From communities in the Antelope Valley to pockets of LA County with lower rents and home prices, here are 8 places worth considering.
8 cheap places to live near LA
1. Lancaster – Budget Life in the High Desert
If affordability is top of your list, Lancaster is one of the first places many people consider. About 60–70 miles north of downtown LA, this high desert city offers rent and home-buying costs well below the LA average. It’s a great choice if you don’t mind a longer commute in exchange for more space and lower monthly costs. movoto.com+1
2. Palmdale – Neighboring Lancaster With Suburban Vibes
Just next door to Lancaster, Palmdale is another high-desert option with relatively low cost of living. Many people choose Palmdale for its quiet neighborhoods, parks, and community feel — plus it still has reasonably easy freeway access back to LA for commuting. Amberstudent+1
3. La Puente – Eastside Value
Closer to the city (about 20 miles east of downtown), La Puente offers a more urban-suburban mix. It’s known for parks, accessible freeways, and some of the more affordable rental and housing prices in the region — especially compared with central LA neighborhoods. movoto.com+1
4. Cudahy – Small, Dense, and Affordable
Cudahy is a tiny city surrounded by bigger neighbors with a much lower median home price than most of LA County. It’s great if you want to live near LA without paying LA prices, and it’s a popular place for renters and first-time buyers who are budget conscious. movoto.com
5. Norwalk – Budget Meets Connectivity
About 20–30 miles from downtown LA, Norwalk has a slightly higher price tag than the high-desert suburbs — but it still represents a more affordable alternative to living near the heart of LA. It also offers solid transportation connections and community amenities that make everyday life easier. movoto.com+1
6. Pomona – A Balanced Option Between LA and Inland Empire
Pomona sits on the eastern edge of LA County, and it’s known for its cultural attractions, fairgrounds, and diverse neighborhoods. While rents have risen in recent years, Pomona still offers a more affordable cost of living compared with the core of LA — especially if you’re buying a home. movoto.com+1
7. Panorama City – Affordable Inside the Valley
If you’d like to stay within Los Angeles but pay less than Hollywood or Santa Monica prices, Panorama City in the San Fernando Valley is worth a look. It’s known for its diverse community and comparatively lower rents while still being connected to jobs and freeways. FOX 11 Los Angeles
8. Pacoima / Granada Hills – Valley Spots with Lower Rents
Still in the broader LA area, neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley like Pacoima and Granada Hills often have more affordable rents than many Westside or beach communities. Pacoima, in particular, has lower rent averages than much of LA, while Granada Hills balances suburban living with ease of access. apartmentlist.com
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Living cheaply often means trade-offs:
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Commute time: Many affordable suburbs like Lancaster and Palmdale are farther from downtown LA, so daily travel can be longer.
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Lifestyle differences: Some budget areas have fewer nightlife or cultural venues compared with central LA neighborhoods.
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Local resources: Smaller cities may have different school, transit, and service offerings, so it’s worth visiting before deciding.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Once you find the right place to live — maybe one of the neighborhoods above — the next step is moving with ease. Cheap Movers Los Angeles specializes in affordable, professional moving services across LA and into nearby cities, helping you get settled into your new home with less stress and more confidence.
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