10 Most Affordable Los Angeles, CA Suburbs to Live In

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Updated on March 20th, 2024

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Los Angeles, California is an iconic city, and probably the first city that comes to mind when you think of California. Home to the Hollywood sign and celebrities galore, it shouldn’t come as a shock that 4 million people live in “the City of Angels.” However, LA’s median home sale price is around $950,000 and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is $3,852 – which may not be in your budget. Don’t fret, there are plenty of affordable Los Angeles suburbs to consider house hunting in. 

Whether you’re currently buying a home in Southern California or looking to make the move to the West Coast, check out 10 of the best affordable suburbs within driving distance of Los Angeles. That way you don’t have to miss out on weekend visits to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or watching a Los Angeles Lakers game at your favorite bar. 

downtown los angeles at nighttime

#1: Baldwin Park, CA

Median home price: $643,000 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 15 minutes
Baldwin Park, CA homes for sale
Baldwin Park, CA apartments for rent

With the median sale price of a home nearly $300K less than Los Angeles, Baldwin Park lands the number one spot on our list of most affordable Los Angeles suburbs. Baldwin Park has a population of around 72,000 and is about 15 minutes away from downtown L.A. without any traffic. Living in Baldwin Park, you’ll be close to The Original In-N-Out Burger Museum, a Southern California staple. This suburb is also home to a variety of parks such as Walnut Creek Nature Park and Morgan Park which offer grassy areas perfect for a sunny picnic. 

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#2: Montebello, CA

Median home price: $650,000 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 20 minutes
Montebello, CA homes for sale
Montebello, CA apartments for rent

Drive 20 minutes outside of Los Angeles and you’ll find yourself in the suburb of Montebello. Home to roughly 63,000 residents, this affordable town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Los Angeles without paying the price for a home in the city. In Montebello, you’ll find Montebello Barnyard Zoo, a petting zoo featuring pony rides and a train.

#3: Norwalk, CA

Median home price: $707,500 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes
Norwalk, CA homes for sale
Norwalk, CA apartments for rent

Norwalk is Los Angeles’s third most affordable suburb. Only 30 minutes from the city center you’ll find yourself shopping at The Grove in no time. Make sure to visit the D.D. Johnston-Hargitt House Museum, an iconic Eastlake Victorian home that represents Norwalk’s history. When living in this suburb of nearly 103,000 people, you can also spend time exploring the charming downtown.

#4: Bellflower, CA

Median home price: $722,500 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes
Bellflower, CA homes for sale
Bellflower, CA apartments for rent

A recognizable suburb of Los Angeles is Bellflower, where the home prices are almost $230K less than in Los Angeles. Bellflower has about 79,000 residents and is a great suburb to consider moving to, offering you access to many Southern California staples. From the Hollywood Sports Paintball & Airsoft Park to The Los Angeles County Fire Museum, you’ll be close to what makes Bellflower unique. 

los angeles street with the hollywood sign in the background

#5: Pico Rivera, CA

Median home price: $737,500 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 20 minutes
Pico Rivera, CA homes for sale
Pico Rivera, CA apartments for rent

20 minutes southeast of downtown Los Angeles is the suburb of Pico Rivera. With a population of close to 62,000, you’ll be in a smaller town while being able to explore Los Angeles in your free time. If you find yourself moving to our fifth most affordable suburb, make sure to visit Pico Rivera Sports Arena for their yearly Colombian festival, El Festival Colombiano.

#6: Whittier, CA

Median home price: $756,000 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes
Whittier, CA homes for sale
Whittier, CA apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Pico Rivers, Whittier is Los Angeles’s sixth most affordable suburb on our list. With roughly 87,300 residents living in Whittier, you can enjoy hiking at Pio Pico State Historic Park with fewer crowds than Los Angeles’ Runyon Canyon. And don’t miss checking out the iconic Whittier Boulevard. 

#7: Downey, CA

Median home price: $830,000 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 25 minutes
Downey, CA homes for sale
Downey, CA apartments for rent

Claiming the seventh spot on our list of affordable Los Angeles suburbs is Downey. About 25 minutes away from downtown L.A. – without the infamous traffic – and home to nearly 115,000 people, so consider adding Downey to your list of suburbs to do some of your house hunting. If you end up calling this affordable suburb “home,” plan time to explore Columbia Memorial Space Center and have a picnic at Wilderness Park. 

affordable los angeles suburbs home exterior

#8: Alhambra, CA

Median home price: $803,000 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 20 minutes
Alhambra, CA homes for sale
Alhambra, CA apartments for rent

If you’ve been living in Los Angeles for some time, you’ve probably heard about people moving to the suburb of Alhambra. This affordable city is home to just around 83,000 residents, so you’ll be living in a suburb with significantly fewer residents than Los Angeles while remaining close to all the city has to offer. Once moving to Alhambra head for a jog at Almansor Park and pick up some fresh produce at the Alhambra Farmers Market

“If you’re in Los Angeles, you must check out Banh Mi My Tho in Alhambra. This hidden gem of a restaurant offers mouthwatering pork Banh Mi sandwiches for an incredibly low price of only $4.30. We at Bagsort, being big foodies, absolutely love this place and have been returning time and again to enjoy their delicious yet affordable treats.”

#9: Lakewood, CA

Median home price: $815,000 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 30 minutes
Lakewood, CA homes for sale
Lakewood, CA apartments for rent

Lakewood, California is a great place to consider moving to that will get you access to downtown Los Angeles in roughly 30 minutes. About 83,000 people live in this affordable suburb, but you’ll be surrounded by several areas to explore in your free time. Attractions in Lakewood include exploring Del Valle Park, playing 18 holes at Lakewood Golf Course, and biking through Rynerson Park.

#10: Monterey Park, CA

Median home price: $895,000 
Driving distance from Los Angeles: 15 minutes
Monterey Park, CA homes for sale
Monterey Park, CA apartments for rent

Monterey Park takes the final spot on our list of affordable Los Angeles suburbs you’ll want to consider moving to. Without traffic, you’ll find yourself in Los Angeles in roughly 15 minutes. This suburb has a population of roughly 61,100, making it a mere fraction of Los Angeles’ population. Home to the Vincent Price Art Museum where you can see artwork from West Mexico and Peru, along with many others, and Sequoia Park which features a Japanese Garden and tennis courts, you’ll have plenty of activities to explore during your free time. 

8 Affordable things to do in Los Angeles suburbs

1. City Hall

“For those looking for a great tourist spot on a budget, Los Angeles City Hall is definitely the place to go,” recommends LUXURY under BUDGET. “Not only is it a gorgeous and historically significant building, but visitors can also get a free tour and take in the spectacular views of the city from the observation deck.”

2. The Getty Center

The Getty Center in Los Angeles is a must-visit destination,” says Outside Suburbia. “Explore the art museums and learn about different cultures, while taking in the modern architectural buildings showcasing a beautiful range of artwork, including Van Gogh’s iconic Irises. Marvel at the outdoor sculptures and scenic views of the city, and make sure to catch the breathtaking sunset from the hill. It’s an affordable and enjoyable activity that you won’t want to miss.”

3. Gagosian Gallery

“If you’re an art enthusiast, the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills is a great place to check out,” suggests Art in Context. “Admission is free and the exhibitions rotate every six weeks, so there’s always something new to explore. Plus, there’s a parking garage with one-hour free parking right on the same street, providing added convenience.”

4. Grand Park

“Located in the vibrant heart of Downtown L.A. Grand Park is an ideal space for Angelenos to express themselves and connect with the numerous cultures of the county. We offer a variety of free events and activities, such as the 4th of July Block Party, Sunday Sessions, Downtown Día de Los Muertos, and NYELA, all of which are open to the public. Enjoy the lush, green landscape and partake in the various arts and cultural experiences that Grand Park offers.”

5. Griffith Park

“Viewing Los Angeles from the top of Griffith Park is my favorite inexpensive activity currently,” shares Just travels. “Being able to observe the city from atop a hilly park is a stunning and extraordinary experience – especially for someone like me who is so enamored with scenery.”

6. San Fernando Valley

“Driving through Topanga Canyon Boulevard is my favorite inexpensive activity in the San Fernando Valley,” shares Rock & Roll. “This 20-mile stretch of highway begins in the North end of the Valley and ends at the Pacific Ocean. Many famous musicians have lived in the canyon, including members of Crosby Stills & Nash, Spirit, The Eagles and The Doors. Additionally, Topanga Corral, which used to be located at 2034 Topanga and was an early venue for many Los Angeles bands, has a lot of music history associated with it.”

7. Affordable entertainment

“You can find a range of entertainment options for all budgets in Los Angeles,” states Lela Christine from Lifestyle Elevation Group. “Catch a movie at one of the city’s many drive-in theaters, take in the vibrant nightlife of Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes with discounts and specials. No matter your budget, you can have a great time in LA.”

8. Affordable child care

“If you’re in search of cost-effective and high-quality childcare, you may want to consider an in-home daycare. These are 30% more affordable than larger childcare centers and offer a greater sense of community and belonging. To help you find the perfect provider, Upwards provides families with a platform to easily search for licensed, local caregivers. Through their platform, you can enroll your child and manage the entire care experience.”

Methodology: Affordability based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Los Angeles and under a 30 minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com May 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau

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If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Susan Brown | Redfin Real Estate Agent

Susan Brown | Redfin Real Estate Agent

Serving homebuyers and sellers in the Los Angeles area, Susan Brown is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater Los Angeles area, Susan Brown possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.

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