With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Map: How Much A 1-Bedroom Costs By Neighborhood
Los Angeles rents are still crazy but the good news is they got slightly less crazy this spring, according to a new survey of rental prices in Los Angeles.
Zumper crunched the numbers and found that median rents for a one bedroom in May actually dipped down 5.6% to a paltry $1,700. Two bedrooms dipped down 3.8% to $2,500. The company also has a graphic showing which neighborhoods are up and down.
The map surveys neighborhoods from the Palisades to downtown (yes, you've been shafted again, Valley dwellers). If you compare it to Zumper's last effort, you will see that some neighborhoods did experience a slight dip. Of note: Pico is $200 cheaper, West Los Angeles is $50 cheaper, and the Hollywood Hills are cheaper. Downtown Santa Monica is still crazy expensive. It is in the top spot with the median bedroom going for $3,160—$360 more than last time we checked! Maybe banning Airbnb will help. 1-bedrooms are $2,560 in Venice and $2,520 in Marina Del Rey. Downtown is more expensive at $2,410 than Bel Air at $2,400 (though we can't imagine Bel Air is full of 1-bedrooms...)
This means that Los Angeles is a slightly more affordable place to live relative to other cities. Zumper puts us behind NYC, San Francisco, Boston, San Jose and DC, which we figured. But we're also now cheaper than Oakland, Chicago and Miami (Florida is happening!).
So take solace that even though rent feels ridiculous here, it could be worse.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
-
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.