1. Housing & Homeownership Costs
? Either Scenario: Hidden & Ongoing Expenses
Homeownership in LA involves more than mortgage payments. Zillow data—cited by the WSJ—reports average hidden costs (insurance, taxes, maintenance) around $1,180/month The Wall Street Journal.
In high-value markets like LA, these can be significant—Zillow notes that owners in cities like LA face some of the highest such hidden costs Better Homes & Gardens.
? Property Tax & Insurance
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Property tax rate: about 1.24% of assessed value Accounting Insights.
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For a $1.1M home, that’s approx $950/month.
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Homeowner’s insurance: between $1,570 and $2,112/year, or around $130–$175/month Accounting Insights.
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Additionally, maintenance/HOA fees may add $400–$500/month, with HOA fees alone often $250–$300/month in LA's coastal neighborhoods First Tuesday JournalThe Wall Street Journal.
2. Utilities, Connectivity & Services
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Electricity, water, gas, trash, internet:
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Estimates range from $246/month utilities + $194 phone, per Resident.com Resident Magazine.
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OysterLink items to ~$375 total ($150 electricity, $80 water, $50 gas, $70 internet, $25 trash) OysterLink.
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Combined, a practical estimate is $300–$400/month for utilities and internet.
3. Groceries & Dining
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LA grocery costs are 9–20% above the national average, with staples such as milk at ~$5, bread ~$4, eggs ~$3–$5 RentCafeRoyal Moving & Storage IncOysterLinkcostoflivingtoday.com.
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UrbanScope lists food for a couple at $700/month urbanscope.blog.
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So, plan on $700–900/month for groceries and modest dining.
4. Transportation
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Gas: LA prices are among the highest nationwide (around $4.70–$5/gallon) OysterLinkVIP Realty.
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Monthly commuting costs may reach $150–200 for fuel.
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Car insurance: roughly $265–$350/month (annual $3,200–4,200) Accounting Insights.
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Parking: typically $200–$300/month, depending on neighborhood Accounting Insights.
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Public transit: a Metro pass costs around $100/month as an alternative Accounting Insightsurbanscope.blog.
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Total transport (car-centric scenario): $400–600/month.
5. Healthcare Insurance
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For a couple, health insurance via exchanges is around $750/month urbanscope.blog.
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Employer plans or open-market options vary widely, but budgeting $700–900/month is wise.
6. Lifestyle & Personal Expenses
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Entertainment and dining out: ~$350/month urbanscope.blog.
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Gym memberships, personal care (haircuts, clothes, subscriptions): assume $200–300/month Resident Magazinecostoflivingtoday.com.
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Miscellaneous savings for maintenance, HOA, lawn care: $400–500/month The Wall Street JournalFirst Tuesday JournalReddit+1.
