How much does it cost to live on your own in California? Here’s a breakdown of what the cost of living in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco is.
The costs vary greatly and are based on several factors. Here’s an example of a California general costs overview (budget), with the cost of one person’s monthly rent and utility bills included. It’s a rough guideline only, though.
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Cost of living in California
When you’re living on your own in California, there are several costs to consider.
One of the largest is the gas bill, which can rise significantly if there isn’t enough of it to fill up your car.
Another expense to consider is the cost of cable and internet. These expenses can add up to over $300 per month and don’t include phone or insurance bills.
To save money, many people try to cut back on these costs. Others invest in solar panels or other renewable sources of power.
Consider a Second Job
Depending on your income and lifestyle, you may want to look into working a second job. Many people in California work second jobs and are self-employed.
Working a second job will allow you to set your own schedule and fit it around your full-time job. Part-time jobs, on the other hand, are only available during specific hours.
These are the only options for some people in California. But, there are some people who can’t find second jobs.
Rent is a major expense for single people living on their own in California. Renting a studio apartment or one-bedroom apartment in a major city like Los Angeles will cost you more than $2,861 per month.
However, a salary of $34,337 after taxes is more than enough for a comfortable lifestyle. Expenses will be higher if you live in San Francisco or Los Angeles, where rent is more expensive.
While there are some cities and counties in California with low cost of living, Los Angeles is one of the most expensive.
To afford a basic lifestyle in Los Angeles, you’ll need to earn at least $3,500 a month. In addition to your rent, utilities and transportation will also cost more.
California is one of the most expensive states in the country, so you should plan accordingly.
But it’s worth remembering that you can find a good job and still be able to afford the higher cost of living.
The High Cost of Housing
In California, housing is a major expense. The median price of a two-bedroom house in San Francisco is $1,236,049, while Sacramento’s is $240,500.
The average rent in San Francisco is $1,294 a month, which is nearly double the US median rent. Cable and internet bills can also add up quickly in California.
It’s important to consider these costs before making your final decision.
Cost of living in Los Angeles
When comparing the cost of living in Los Angeles to other cities, you will find that utility costs are below the national average.
Utility bills for a two-bedroom apartment with one bathroom cost an average of $180 per month, while the same bill for a studio apartment with one bathroom costs $120 a month.
Although the region’s climate isn’t uniform, internet service costs between $30 and $50 per month.
Rent is another factor to consider. A typical two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles costs $2,480 per month.
This figure is 168 percent of the average Los Angeles household income. For this reason, it is a good idea to share an apartment with a roommate if you’re on a budget.
Not only will you save money on utilities, but you’ll also have company over your expenses.
Although the cost of renting an apartment is high, it’s possible to live comfortably on a modest budget.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Los Angeles costs around $2,100, while a two-bedroom apartment costs about $1,850.
This doesn’t take into account the cost of food, which is around the same price as in the US.
For people on a budget, the key to living comfortably in Los Angeles is to spend no more than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing.
In Los Angeles, gas prices are high: a gallon of gas costs about $4. While LA is not known for walking, there is an excellent network of bike lanes throughout the city.
The Cost of Food
Another key expense is food. Despite being a city of millions, food is the second most expensive component of a household’s budget.
A pound of white rice costs around $2, whereas a dozen eggs costs $3.50, while potatoes cost a mere $1.
Gas prices are high: in October 2020, Los Angeles residents will pay on average $3.02 per gallon.
The Cost of Entertainment
Entertainment is also a major expense in Los Angeles, as a movie ticket or a drink at a bar may cost $15.
The costs are not the only expenses to consider, though. A healthy budget allows you to live the life you want while still living within your means.
It can be challenging, but you can do it!
Cost of living in Sacramento
When you are moving to a new city, you need to take a few factors into consideration. You will need to factor in transportation costs, storage, and hotel costs.
You will also need to factor in the cost of additional living expenses, such as entertainment and dining.
The typical salary of common professions in Sacramento is competitive. The highest salaries are found in the Management sector, followed by Computer and Mathematical careers, and Legal.
Rent in Sacramento is higher than the national average, but prices are declining. A two-bedroom apartment can cost $2,060 a month, which is significantly lower than the national average.
However, rents can vary based on neighborhood, which will affect the overall cost of living.
If you’re looking for a cheap place to rent, consider living in one of the lower-cost neighborhoods like Boulevard Park, Valley High North Laguna, and North Sacramento.
Rent can also be expensive in Sacramento, with the average rent in Boulevard Park costing $2,475 a month or $29,700 a year.
Phone services are also a big factor, averaging $52 a month.
Transportation is another factor to consider when determining the cost of living in Sacramento, with rates for public transportation being 41.2 percent higher than those of other parts of the country.
This means that renting a home in Sacramento is not for every person, but it is a good option for those who can’t afford a large home.
The cost of living in Sacramento is lower than the national average, and it is possible to live comfortably.
The median income in Sacramento is $58,390. The local economy is strong, and major employers include UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center.
Renting a Home in Sacramento
Renting a home in Sacramento is a great option for people looking to make more money. You can still afford to live in a beautiful home even if you’re on a budget.
While public transportation is reliable, it may not be a practical option for you if you don’t own a car.
Driving a vehicle in Sacramento will cost you about $4,900 annually, or $13,317 if you have a family.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of gasoline, which in Sacramento is 7.8 percent higher than the national average.
You might want to consider cooking your own meals if you can afford it.
Cost of living in San Francisco
Renting an apartment or a single room can be expensive in San Francisco. Rent is about $3500 per month, and a studio apartment can cost $1500 or more.
Housing costs are mainly driven by the demand for apartments in a city of nearly 900,000 people. You’ll also need to consider how much you want to spend on other expenses, like entertainment and dining out.
In general, rent in San Francisco is above average, so you should budget accordingly.
If you’re young and single, you can get by on a $1,500-per-month salary. However, if you’re a professional, you’ll need to earn at least $5,000 per month to live comfortably.
San Francisco is a very expensive city to live in on a student’s budget, and you may have to live in a closet if you’re trying to save up.
Renting an apartment in San Francisco is expensive, but it’s not impossible to live in a high-end neighborhood.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in SF is about $3,368 per month, whereas rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $4,210.
You should also expect higher prices for everything else. Expect to pay more than $5 for a cup of coffee and $8 for a pint of beer.
Rent prices in San Francisco are higher than in other California cities. Rents in San Francisco are also more expensive than in San Jose.
The median home price in the city is $952,400, which is just shy of $1 million. Renters who aren’t looking to buy a home in San Francisco are more likely to rent.
This is because the real estate market is so expensive. Most people will likely rent their homes instead.
While it’s true that San Francisco has higher rents than other cities in California, property taxes in San Francisco are much lower than in other parts of the country.
Renters need not worry about property taxes as they are likely factored into their monthly rental fees. A single room rental in San Francisco costs approximately $2,750.
Final Thoughts
Living on your own is a huge part of adulting. If you want to live on your own in California you are better advised to plan your finances accordingly.
Also consider ways to lower your costs and way to increase your income by getting a side hustle or second job.