11 Cheap Things To Do In Los Angeles
Balling on a Budget in LA
Los Angeles is not the most expensive city to live in (hello, NYC…) but it’s up there. And let’s not even get into inflation. Have you seen these gas prices???
In 2022 the average monthly cost of living in Los Angeles is $1,078.81 for a single person, not including rent or mortgage payments. The average rent cost is $2,734 for a 791 sq. ft apartment.
So, what we are really looking at is a monthly premium of $3,806.81 to live in the City of Angels. We don’t know about you, but we think it’s totally worth it.
Los Angeles is a multi-cultural, dream-making, land of opportunity. It has so much to offer: nightlife, beaches, hiking, food, entertainment…you name it. And sure, you can get swanky if you want to, but the city has plenty to offer if you need to do Los Angeles on a budget. And don’t we all these days?
There’s no need to break the bank to have fun. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly things to do in Los Angeles:
Food
Great food is abundant in Los Angeles and there are so many cheap options to enjoy.
$2.50 Tacos at Mariscos Jalisco
This no-frill Mexican food truck is a longstanding Los Angeles staple. And it’s a favorite for a reason. Just check out their
Instagram and tell us you’re not already drooling. And you can’t beat a killer taco for $2.50!
$2.50 Bahn Mi at Banh Mi My Dung
Head to Chinatown for a
Banh Mi that will blow your mind for only $2.50. The store-front deli makes the bread in-house every day. You’ll get a whiff of freshly baked bread when you walk through the door. Their baguettes are filled up with specialty cold-cut meat fillings for an absolutely heavenly banh mi (and oh so cheap!)
$6.99 Dumplings at Mama Lu’s
You can get 10 juicy pork dumplings for under $7 at
Mama Lu’s. They have different meat options – and vegetarian dumplings too – for just as cheap, or even cheaper! This Shanghainese restaurant with Taiwanese influence is known for its dumplings and it’s no wonder because they are divine.
$5 Falafel Bowl at Falafal Inc.
In fact, you won’t find anything over $6 on the
Falafel Inc. menu. The bowl is packed full of falafel, red cabbage, tabouli, pickles, and zaatar chips on greens, with Special Sauce.
The restaurant chain has also partnered with the World Food Programme, the leading humanitarian food organization, to deliver aid to refugees across the globe. Every time you visit one of their restaurants, you help to feed a refugee in need.
$5.49 Slice of Pizza at Abbott’s Pizza Company
Get a sizeable slice of pizza for just over $5 at
Abbott’s. The great part about this place is the options you get! $5.49 gets you a slice of Popeyes Chicken Pizza, Chicken Curry Pizza, Goat Cheese, Greek, Wild Mushroom…the list goes on! And each option sounds more delicious than the last.
Night Life & Entertainment
We know a night on the town can turn into a snowball of spending money. Especially after a drink or two. But with these budget-friendly, nightlife options, you won’t have to worry too much.
Beers at Golden Road Brewing
Affordable craft beer can be found flowing from the taps at Golden Road Brewing. They have twenty taps to choose from as well as a tasty-looking appetizer menu. They also have an unseasoned beef patty on the menu for your pup and if that’s not adorable, we don’t know what is. Balling on a budget with your furbaby at a brewery honestly sounds like a dream come true.
Karaoke at The Airliner
What’s your go-to karaoke song? Ice Ice Baby? I Will Always Love You? Maybe you break out an old Spice Girls tune? Either way, hit up the Airliner on Tuesdays for free karaoke. Not only is the entertainment free but food and booze are all $6, all night long, That sounds like a low-cost winning combination to us.
Improv at The Groundlings Theater
Improv actors have a legacy of delivering big laughs at The Groundling Theater. The theater helped launch some of your favorite comedians. We’re talking Will Ferrell, Kathy Griffin, Jon Lovitz, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and more!
Now, you can catch the next rising star for right around $20 a ticket. Not bad for your own claim to fame!
Freebies
These Los Angeles activities won’t put a dent in your budget, in fact, they won’t touch it at all because they are free. There’s nothing cheaper than free, folks!
See What There Is To See At Griffith
Observatory
There’s nothing quite like seeing Los Angeles lit up at night and no better place to see it than Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. We recommend a sunset hike to the observatory for your optimal viewing pleasure. The telescopes are free to use too! Bring a picnic for a budget-friendly and memorable evening.
Wander Around The Getty Center
Art and culture come for free at The Getty Center. Free admission is a steal for this experience! Stroll around the gardens and enjoy the sculptures and architecture. Then head inside the Getty Museum to see masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s Irises and Paul Cezanne’s Still Life with Apples. The view from the upper terraces is a work of art itself and definitely worth checking out.
Let’s Go To The Beach, Beach
When all else fails, head to the beach! Go swimming, tan, bring a picnic, play beach volleyball, ride bikes – there is so much to do. And, there are plenty of beaches to choose from in the Los Angeles area from Venice Beach to Malibu. Lucky for you, we just broke down the five best beaches in LA. You are welcome.
So, there you have it. Go out and conquer the city you King/Queen of Saving Money.
Speaking of saving money…
If you’re looking for affordable apartments to rent in Los Angeles, look no further. We’ve got charming studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in some of your favorite LA neighborhoods. And the best part is, you can live in them without breaking the bank. Check out our available apartment units.
