Home › Los Angeles › Costs
Is Los Angeles expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Los Angeles is expensive, similar to San Francisco and close to New York once taxes, tips and parking are included. A budget day is about US$175 per person, mid-range about US$365 and comfort about US$880. Hotels, a car with parking, and restaurant bills with 18-22% tips take most of the money; the beaches, Griffith Observatory and the Getty are free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$75 | US$160 | US$400 |
| Food & drink | US$45 | US$90 | US$200 |
| Sights & tickets | US$20 | US$60 | US$180 |
| Local transport | US$35 | US$55 | US$100 |
| Per person, per day | US$175 | US$365 | US$880 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Los Angeles day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Taco from a truck or stand | roughly $2-5 |
| French dip at Philippe's or Cole's | roughly $12-18 |
| Getty Center | free (parking about $25 per car) |
| Griffith Observatory | free (parking a few dollars an hour) |
| Warner Bros. Studio Tour | about $70 |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | about $110-180 depending on the date |
| Korean barbecue in Koreatown | roughly $35-60 per person |
| Budget hotel double, Koreatown | $130-200 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost, with budget hotels in Koreatown at about $130-200 and Santa Monica or West Hollywood at $250-400, before hotel occupancy taxes of around 14-16% and resort fees. Most visitors need a car, so rental, fuel and parking add a steady daily cost. Eating out ends up roughly 30% above menu prices once 9.5-10% sales tax and tips are added, and theme parks are expensive one-off days.
When it is cheaper
January to early March (outside holidays) and late autumn after Thanksgiving are often cheaper for hotels; summer and the holiday season are the most expensive. Theme-park prices are lower on weekdays outside school holidays.
How to spend less
- Eat at taco trucks, Grand Central Market and Thai Town instead of Hollywood tourist restaurants.
- Use Metro trains and buses for Downtown, Hollywood, Koreatown and Santa Monica; a ride costs about $1.75.
- Visit the free museums: the Getty Center, Getty Villa and The Broad (timed tickets).
- Check menus and bills for service charges and surcharges before tipping again.
- Book theme parks online in advance on weekdays for lower prices.
- Choose a hotel with free parking, or stay in Santa Monica and skip the car for some days.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
How much does a day in Los Angeles cost?
About US$175 per person on a budget, US$365 mid-range and US$880 for comfort, before hotel taxes.
Why is eating out in LA so expensive?
Menu prices exclude sales tax of about 9.5-10% and tips of 18-22%, and some restaurants add surcharges, so bills are about 30% above menu prices.
Is the Getty Center free?
Yes, entry is free; parking costs about $25 per car.