Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Los Angeles are South Central LA, West Athens, and Vermont Harbor. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Los Angeles, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 26, 2026, the average rent in Los Angeles is $2,181, which is 0.4% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

South Central LA

Average Rent

$1,560/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

Units Available

352 Rentals

South Central offers affordable housing options with easy access to public transportation, making commuting a breeze. Local parks and community centers provide ample recreational activities for residents. An array of eateries and shops line the streets, ensuring daily conveniences are within reach.

West Athens

Average Rent

$1,686/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

Units Available

11 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Los Angeles neighborhood on a budget, check out West Athens. The average rent is $1,686, compared to the city average of $2,181. Rent prices have increased by 1.2%. West Athens is convenient to Western & Imperial Shopping Center, Los Angeles International, and Crenshaw Station.

Vermont Harbor

Average Rent

$1,723/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

Units Available

25 Rentals

Vermont Harbor is an affordable neighborhood in Los Angeles with an average rent price of $1,723. Compare this to the city average of $2,181. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1%. Vermont Harbor provides easy access to The Hut Village, Mount St. Mary's Coll, Doheny, and Jefferson/Usc.

Vernon-Main

Average Rent

$1,736/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.6%

Units Available

10 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Los Angeles, Vernon-Main might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,736, while the city’s average stands at $2,181. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.6%. Vernon-Main is near Expo Park/Usc, Vernon Station, and Los Angeles Trade-Tech.

Westmont

Average Rent

$1,752/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

Units Available

12 Rentals

Westmont is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Westmont is $1,752 while the city average is $2,181. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Crenshaw Station, Western & Imperial Shopping Center, and Watts Towers-Rodia State Park.

Pico-Union

Average Rent

$1,804/Month

Units Available

28 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Los Angeles neighborhood on a budget, check out Pico-Union. The average rent is $1,804, compared to the city average of $2,181. Rent prices have decreased by 0%. Pico-Union is convenient to MacArthur Park Lake, Mount St. Mary's Coll, Doheny, and Golden Gate Univ, Los Angeles.

Park Mesa Heights

Average Rent

$1,907/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

Units Available

80 Rentals

Park Mesa Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Los Angeles with an average rent price of $1,907. Compare this to the city average of $2,181. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Park Mesa Heights provides easy access to Ballona Creek Trail - Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Access, USC, University Park Campus, and Exposition Park Rose Garden.

Monterey Hills

Average Rent

$1,924/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

Units Available

17 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Los Angeles, Monterey Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,924, while the city’s average stands at $2,181. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.9%. Monterey Hills is near Cal State Los Angeles, USC, Health Sciences Campus, and Southwest Museum Station.

Florence-Graham

Average Rent

$2,039/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

Units Available

14 Rentals

Florence-Graham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Florence-Graham is $2,039 while the city average is $2,181. This is a 1.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Compton Creek Natural Park at George Washington Elementary, Vernon Station, and Los Angeles Trade-Tech.

Bel Air

Average Rent

$2,042/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

Units Available

55 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Los Angeles neighborhood on a budget, check out Bel Air. The average rent is $2,042, compared to the city average of $2,181. Rent prices have decreased by 2%. Bel Air is convenient to UCLA, Westwood/Rancho Park, and Brentwood Village.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.