Homeownership in LA involves more than mortgage payments. Zillow datacited by the WSJreports average hidden costs (insurance, taxes, maintenance) around $1,180/month The Wall Street Journal.
In high-value markets like LA, these can be significantZillow notes that owners in cities like LA face some of the highest such hidden costs Better Homes Gardens.
Property tax rate: about 1.24% of assessed value Accounting Insights.
For a $1.1M home, thats approx $950/month.
Homeowners insurance: between $1,570 and $2,112/year, or around $130$175/month Accounting Insights.
Additionally, maintenance/HOA fees may add $400$500/month, with HOA fees alone often $250$300/month in LAs coastal neighborhoods First Tuesday JournalThe Wall Street Journal.
Electricity, water, gas, trash, internet:
Estimates range from $246/month utilities + $194 phone, per Resident.com Resident Magazine.
OysterLink items to ~$375 total ($150 electricity, $80 water, $50 gas, $70 internet, $25 trash) OysterLink.
Combined, a practical estimate is $300$400/month for utilities and internet.
LA grocery costs are 920% above the national average, with staples such as milk at ~$5, bread ~$4, eggs ~$3$5 RentCafeRoyal Moving Storage IncOysterLinkcostoflivingtoday.com.
UrbanScope lists food for a couple at $700/month urbanscope.blog.
So, plan on $700900/month for groceries and modest dining.
Gas: LA prices are among the highest nationwide (around $4.70$5/gallon) OysterLinkVIP Realty.
Monthly commuting costs may reach $150200 for fuel.
Car insurance: roughly $265$350/month (annual $3,2004,200) Accounting Insights.
Parking: typically $200$300/month, depending on neighborhood Accounting Insights.
Public transit: a Metro pass costs around $100/month as an alternative Accounting Insightsurbanscope.blog.
Total transport (car-centric scenario): $400600/month.
For a couple, health insurance via exchanges is around $750/month urbanscope.blog.
Employer plans or open-market options vary widely, but budgeting $700900/month is wise.
Entertainment and dining out: ~$350/month urbanscope.blog.
Gym memberships, personal care (haircuts, clothes, subscriptions): assume $200300/month Resident Magazinecostoflivingtoday.com.
Miscellaneous savings for maintenance, HOA, lawn care: $400500/month The Wall Street JournalFirst Tuesday JournalReddit+1.