2023 Suburbs with the Lowest Cost of Living in the Los Angeles Area

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  76 reviews

Works Here: The school district is pretty intense. I was disappointed when they turned the middle school into an arts high school. They cut down schools. The streets are overridden with out-of-hand homeless people, they can get violent sometimes. Other than that, the community is very strong. The teen center holds various activities for all families and the parks and rec department has a dear place in my heart as the staff is always friendly. They do a really good job and taking care of people... Read 76 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• grade D+

• Population 21,723

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Where you come from really affects the kind of person you are- and I am truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to grow here. I feel that I have been given so many opportunities and chances because of Las Flores and its community. Tesoro High School, however, was where I truly was shaped into the person I am today. I participated in many programs throughout high school, such as: Color Guard, Band, and Basketball. The way how the programs correlate with the community, create this perfect formula of support and positivity. This formula helped me gain confidence not only in my self as a person but in my abilities. Because of these programs and the community, I pushed myself to apply to my dream college: Chapman University. With the amazing support and readiness I gained from these three groups, I made it in! I am currently attending Chapman University and am proud to say that I am thriving!... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade D+

• Population 5,227

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  104 reviews

Current Resident: I love it here. It is quiet. There are a ton of trails (paved and dirt) very close by. The beach is easily drivable, and there are a few good gym options close by. Laguna Hills is also less expensive than the immediately surrounding somewhat inland communities, such as Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo.... Read 104 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade D+

• Population 31,409

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  144 reviews

Current Resident: Rowland is a great place to live! For families, there are plenty of clean and safe parks for children to play and highly rated public schools as well as some private school options nearby. For singles, there is a great abundance of restaurants, think the best sushi, hot pot and know you’ve ever had, shops, movie theaters, and other entertainment. If you’re a natural lover like myself, there are plenty of hiking/running trails within the beautiful hills of Rowland Heights.... Read 144 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• grade D+

• Population 48,765

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  109 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in this area since as long as i can remember. It's a clean and safe place for families to raise their children. I remember playing football at the local little league team in the San Fernando park were I spent every Tuesday and Thursday practicing football. The schools are very welcoming to their students and are involved in the community. For example, on weekends local influencers would bring out their exotic cars and have a car show and sell food to raise money for the locals. It was a way the community got along and got to know each other.... Read 109 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade B minus

• grade D+

• Population 24,086

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  13 reviews

Niche User: This area has many schools, super markets, coffee shops, and many other stores. There are a police station and fire department are near my house. In my option, this area is 85% safety. Good city to live in.... Read 13 reviews

• grade C

• grade B

• grade D+

• Population 23,003

• Suburb of San Bernardino, CA

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  143 reviews

Current Resident: My experience while living in Montclair for 5 years is great, it is a quiet and safe community where everyone supports each other and the school system is great. I believe that Montclair is one of the safest communities in San Bernardino County, Many events take place like fairs and many fundraisers that help the community become better each day.... Read 143 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• grade D+

• Population 37,871

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  238 reviews

Current Resident: The things I like about Diamond Bar are that the city is that the schools are great and the diversity is high. I'm an Asian American, and I have no problem finding my cultural foods in markets near me or restaurants near me. The schools are also great. I currently attend Diamond Bar High School, and the teachers and curriculum are great. During the night, the city is safe and it is quiet. You can surely enjoy a good night's rest here!... Read 238 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• grade D+

• Population 55,339

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  149 reviews

Current Resident: San Gabriel is the home to many hard working immigrants who represent resilience for their children. I have been blessed to grow up here all my life and enjoy the delicious plethora of cultural foods. Not only that, I get to explore my culture as an Asian American and understand my parents even more. This town has made me a bigger dreamer. I also feel very safe here to express myself and advocate for me and my parents. My peers have great cultural understanding of their own and outside of their own. Even when I start my own family one day, I’ll be sure to bring my children here to experience the riches of this small suburbia outside of Los Angeles.... Read 149 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• grade D+

• Population 39,673

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  162 reviews

Works Here: In addition to the overall peaceful environment, the residents here are respectful and considerate. Everyone seems to have a mutual understanding of maintaining a quiet and harmonious neighborhood. It's refreshing to live amongst neighbors who value peace and tranquility as much as I do.... Read 162 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C

• grade D+

• Population 67,497

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  79 reviews

Nearby Resident: The Bell community is very supporting of its residents and host varies events for its residents and residents in nearby cities that I've been fortunate enough to be a part of such as its annual Bell 5K. It's an event where the community gets together and walks/runs 5 kilometers while promoting fitness and being healthy. I enjoy those aspects of the city. Some changes I'd like to see would include having more funds in order to finish projects and fill up the empty spaces that can sparingly be found across the city. With funding, the city can be transformed into a better and more inclusive space.... Read 79 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade B minus

• grade D+

• Population 33,915

• City in California

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  175 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here for about 2 years, I’m originally from the Bay Area but moved here from the central coast. Costa Mesa is ok as far as OC towns go, there are walking trails, Newport and Huntington Beaches are a short drive or bike ride away, there is a large shopping mall-South Coast Plaza, nearby. We have everything you need here, without ever needing to leave town. John Wayne airport is 10 minutes away, and a 40 minute drive to LAX. As others have mentioned though, there’s a large homeless population with addiction problems and untreated mental health disorders. It really sad to see, especially when I’m doing late night food deliveries because my rent is so freaking high I can barely pay my bills every month. I see so many people wandering the streets and shouting. You must make $80k a year to just barely cover the cost of living expenses. My 1 bedroom is on a really bad street near the OC fairgrounds. It’s dirty, there’s no street parking, Avocado street needs a deep pressure wash!... Read 175 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• grade D+

• Population 112,148

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  264 reviews

Current Resident: Been living here for the past few years now, it really is a great place to live. The issue? No housing. Cost of living is astronomically high, and 65% of the population are boomers who are not budging as far as housing is concerned. My husband and I (millennials) want to set up roots in this area so badly for both us and our two kids, but can't afford it--even with a 140k combined household income. Recently, we were preapproved for 550K home loan, and can't find any single-family homes in Camarillo. For half a mil we can't even buy a basic 1,200 sqft house. Those that are selling are trying to gain massive profit and selling by more than double their homes' worth, squeezing any ounce of money out of want-to-be homebuyers. So as much as I would love to continue living here, I will have to move once our lease is up (in the last 2 years my rent has gone up 20%) to a cheaper location. Sad, but maybe once all the boomers are gone the rest of us can enjoy this beautiful location.... Read 264 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade D+

• Population 70,593

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: Honestly, Ladera Heights is a pretty cool place to be. It’s pretty safe in comparison to a whole lot of the nearby cities closer to South-Central LA, and it’s super close to a whole lot of other parts of the city, like Culver City, LAX, Inglewood, Playa Vista, and more, allowing for relatively stress-free commutes to work, school, or wherever you gotta go in the morning. Though it’s not exactly a haven for pedestrians, in line with pretty much the rest of Los Angeles, you can still get around to the many cool restaurants and stores on La Cienega, La Tijera, and Centinela, especially if you have a bike you can use to get around. Overall Ladera Heights is just about your typical neighborhood in regards to community, with its location and amenities being a really good icing on the cake.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B minus

• grade D+

• Population 6,658

• City in California

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  495 reviews

Current Resident: I love Santa Ana. Santa Ana, located in Orange County, California, stands out as a city known for its cultural vibrancy and diversity. With a rich history and a diverse population, the city has become a melting pot of cultures and traditions. This diversity is celebrated through various community events and festivals, such as Fiestas Patrias and Día de los Muertos. The city's artistic scene flourishes in the Artists Village, fostering creativity and expression. Additionally, Santa Ana's culinary offerings reflect its multicultural essence, offering a wide range of international cuisines. The city's commitment to community engagement, urban revitalization, and education further contribute to its rising cultural significance. Santa Ana's unique blend of history, innovation, and inclusivity creates a dynamic urban environment where different cultures converge and thrive.... Read 495 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• grade D+

• Population 313,818

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  39 reviews

Nearby Resident: Los Alamitos is a community that has singlehandedly taught me about community. Coming from a divorced family, my life is a lot of carting back and forth between houses. However, my days at school in Los Alamitos have taught me a sense of family. My teachers and fellow students were my family, the streets were my hallways, the small businesses were my bedroom. Everyone I've met has greeted me with a smile, made an effort to learn my name and has bid me a good day. Since Los Alamitos is a smaller town, everyone knows everyone, and I appreciate that sense of community. Time here is pricey, for it is in an expensive tax bracket, however, every interaction is priceless.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade D+

• Population 11,780

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 2.4 out of 5  63 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade B minus

• grade D+

• Population 35,913

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  519 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up here in Pomona with the good and bad parts that people don't really talk about. I love how the community comes together to take care of each other but some of those bad parts is experiencing the loss of those I know recently because they decided to take the wrong path. Many of the people I lived around do not believe that education can make them get further in life but I never believed that. I have had obstacles with family that kept me from pursuing nursing but I am able to chase my dream now. I want to become a nurse to help my community in ways where I can see them grow up together with our following friends and family.... Read 519 reviews

• grade C

• grade B minus

• grade D+

• Population 151,592

• City in California

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  288 reviews

Current Resident: Pasadena gives a small town feel to a big city. There is so much history here, and there are always events going on. Great variety in shopping, food, and recreation. The mountains are so close and have great lookout points. I would recommend Pasadena even for a quick visit!... Read 288 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• grade D

• Population 138,771

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  168 reviews

Current Resident: Fountain Valley is one of the safest places I've ever lived. Everything is clean, the local laws are considerate, and the people are friendly. The community is very active with one another and everyone seems to know each other. The housing is relatively expensive, but it is worth it given the weather and how close it is to the beach. A wide variety of neighborhoods, from suburban style to gated and fancy. The schools for all ages are amazing, as I've had many extended family grow up and spend their K-12 years here, and even some that teach in the area. Overall, a great environment and a nice place to live.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade D

• Population 57,139

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  289 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in and owned a home in Alhambra for 4 years so far. What I like about living here is that it's close enough to Los Angeles that you can make it in a relatively short drive or you can stick around and enjoy everything San Gabriel Valley has to offer. Our Main Street is lively rather than dead, and they have a farmer's market on Sundays that turn into big citywide events for certain holidays. There are lots of restaurants to pick from, and some are even recognized by food websites and blogs as places worth traveling from LA for. We have all the stores you want living in the suburbs, Target, Costco, Harbor Freight, Home Depot. We still have 2 movie theaters. We are close enough to Pasadena if you want more shopping and nightlife. We have pretty decent schools and things for kids to do. We don't have the most parks but at least no matter which part of the city you're in there's one close to you. Drawbacks are that the housing is somewhat expensive, dense and getting denser.... Read 289 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• grade D

• Population 83,174

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  79 reviews

Current Resident: Great neighborhoods, high-end restaurants, with very nice beaches for hardcore surfers or just casual beach-goers!... Read 79 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade D

• Population 33,327

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  483 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Garden Grove for quite the majority of my life. I'd say I have a pretty good connection and resonance with this place! I think Garden Grove is a nice suburban area of living, not too urban and not too rural either. Lots of Asian Americans, specifically Vietnamese people, live around here, with me being one of them. Furthermore, I think this area has quite the scenery and areas that are filled with beauty. However, I do think sometimes that it could be cleaner, as I am always driving by and seeing lots and lots of trash littered in the grass near my commutes. Also, there are usually homeless people around the area that show up quite frequently. I do wish we could fix the homeless people problem, especially since we have just rolled out of winter and now are in spring. These weather situations are not the greatest for people without homes! Nevertheless, there are always some pros and cons to each place we encounter.... Read 483 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• grade D

• Population 172,708

• City in California

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  878 reviews

Current Resident: Long Beach is an incredible place to live and raise kids, and is kind of a hidden gem tucked in between LA and OC. The best things about living here in no particular order are: fabulous parks; tons of diversity in people, neighborhoods, architecture, events, and activities; friendly and welcoming people; reasonable home prices (by SoCal standards); wide variety of schools with the ability to go outside your neighborhood in order to access magnet programs, such as art or math & sciences; incredible restaurant scene; tons of civic, entertainment, and community events; generally informed and involved population; natural beauty at the beach and at the El Dorado Nature Center; great mix of local and chain stores; and tight-knit neighborhoods with people who care for one another. The downsides are an increase in homelessness (as is true literally everywhere); risk of petty crime (and the very occasional violent crime); not as much access to nature as less urban areas; some iffy schools.... Read 878 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade D

• Population 466,565

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  54 reviews

Current Resident: I really like Calabasas. It was a privilege to grow up here. It is a nice, clean, and safe community. It is close enough to drive to the big cities and the beach without having to deal with the lifestyle. In the suburbs, everything here is calm and at a slower pace, but since Los Angles is right next door it is easy to access. The schools here are very good. The school district, Las Virgenes Unified, is highly ranked and has a lot of donations from the people who live in this community. The shopping centers here are great too! For example, the Commons is a cute place to visit for groceries, for a meal, or to watch a movie. There are also some nearby hiking trails in Malibu Creek State Park. This is a town with lots of parks as well. There is a local farmer's market that occurs every Saturday. I think Calabasas is a great location to raise a family. On the downside, it is very expensive, and some of the people in this town are very entitled due to their wealth and social status.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade D

• Population 23,410