Living in Los Angeles: the ultimate expat guide

Los Angeles boasts one of the most diverse economies in the United States, with opportunities extending far beyond the entertainment industry. The metropolitan area employs over 4.3 million people across sectors including technology, aerospace, international trade, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Key industries and employment sectors

Entertainment and media are significant employers, but LA's economy has diversified considerably. Silicon Beach—spanning Santa Monica, Venice, and Playa Vista—hosts major tech companies including Google, Snap, and Hulu alongside hundreds of startups. The aerospace industry, anchored by companies like SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, employs tens of thousands in engineering and manufacturing roles. The Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, generates thousands of jobs in logistics and international trade. Healthcare, fashion design, and professional services round out the employment landscape.

Work permits and visa requirements

Non-US citizens need work authorization to be legally employed. The most common route is employer sponsorship for an H-1B visa, which requires a bachelor's degree and allows stays up to six years. Professionals transferred from foreign offices can use the L-1 visa, while those with exceptional abilities in arts, sciences, or business may qualify for an O-1 visa. Spouses of H-1B holders can apply for work authorization through H-4 EAD permits.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Trading Economics, Numbeo

Los Angeles hosts some of the most prestigious universities in the world, attracting international students for undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.

Major universities and programs

The Los Angeles area hosts several distinguished universities. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly ranked public research institution known for its extensive programs, with particular strengths in engineering, life sciences, and film. Complementing this is the University of Southern California (USC), a renowned private university celebrated for its School of Cinematic Arts, Marshall School of Business, and Viterbi School of Engineering. Other notable institutions contributing to the region's academic prestige include the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, Loyola Marymount University, and Occidental College.

Admission and application process

International applicants generally apply through each university's online portal between November and January for fall admission. Requirements include academic transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT for undergraduates, GRE/GMAT for graduate programs), letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Unless a student has completed prior education entirely in English, official results from an English proficiency exam (like TOEFL or IELTS) are mandatory. For visa processing, applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses for at least one year.

Sources: UCLA, USC, Caltech

Families moving to Los Angeles have access to public, private, and international schooling options. While public schools in Los Angeles are free and open to all residents regardless of immigration status, many expat families opt for private or international schools that offer familiar curricula and smaller class sizes.

Public and private school systems

Public schools in LA vary significantly by neighborhood, with some areas offering highly rated programs and magnet schools focused on STEM, arts, or language immersion. Enrollment requires proof of residence, immunization records, and birth certificates. Instruction is primarily in English, though bilingual programs exist in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and other languages. Private schools range from religious institutions to college-preparatory academies.

International and bilingual schools

There are several excellent options for international curricula in the Los Angeles area. The International School of Los Angeles (LILA) offers both the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs across its multiple campuses. For students interested in a German curriculum, the Goethe International Charter School in Los Angeles offers a German dual language program. Note that these schools typically require applications several months in advance of the desired start date and may have waiting lists for popular grade levels.

Sources: International School of Los Angeles, Goethe International Charter School

Finding housing in Los Angeles means navigating a sprawling city where neighborhoods vary dramatically in character, price, and proximity to employment centers. The rental market is competitive, particularly in desirable areas.

Popular expat neighborhoods

Santa Monica and Venice attract expats who value beach proximity and walkable streets. Pasadena offers a traditional setting with cultural attractions and good schools. For families, South Pasadena and Manhattan Beach are common choices, while Downtown LA's Arts District is popular for young professionals seeking loft-style living.

Rental process and rental costs

Most rentals are found through online platforms, real estate agents, or direct landlord listings. Expect to provide recent pay stubs, bank statements, and possibly a letter from your employer. International newcomers without a US credit history may need to pay additional deposits or provide guarantors. Lease terms typically run 12 months.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Source: Numbeo

Los Angeles offers an extraordinary range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options that extend far beyond its Hollywood reputation. From world-class museums and concert halls to hiking trails with ocean views, the city provides endless ways to spend free time.

Arts, museums, and cultural attractions

LA's museum scene rivals any major city. The Getty Center, perched in the hills with free admission and sweeping views, houses European paintings and contemporary photography. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, known for its Urban Light installation of vintage street lamps. The Broad Museum downtown showcases contemporary art including works by Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama, with free general admission (timed tickets recommended). Music lovers can catch performances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic, or the Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater hosting concerts from classical to rock under the stars.

Outdoor recreation and nightlife

Hiking trails are everywhere—Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, offers routes to the iconic Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. Beach towns like Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Malibu are great for surfing, volleyball, and cycling. On weekends, many locals head to Venice Beach for its boardwalk scene or Santa Monica Pier for the amusement park. Nightlife ranges from craft cocktail bars in Downtown's Arts District to live music venues on the Sunset Strip. Comedy clubs like the Comedy Store and Laugh Factory showcase both up-and-coming and famous comedians nightly.

Sources: LACMA, Getty Center

Living in Los Angeles means adapting to a car-centric lifestyle while enjoying year-round outdoor activities and a relaxed pace compared to other major US cities. The city's sprawl means daily routines often involve driving, though recent investments in public transit have expanded options. LA's culture blends casual beach vibes with serious professional ambition, and you'll find everything from sunrise yoga sessions to late-night taco trucks shaping the rhythm of daily life.

Transportation and getting around

Most Angelenos rely on personal vehicles given the city's vast size and decentralized structure. While traffic is heavy, particularly during rush hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM), the expanding Metro system offers six rail lines and over 170 bus routes, connecting downtown to Hollywood, Santa Monica, and other key areas. Rideshare services and downtown/Santa Monica bike-sharing programs are widely used alternatives for getting around.

Lifestyle and cultural habits

Health, wellness, and outdoor living are central to the LA lifestyle. Throughout the week, various neighborhoods host farmers markets, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods. The dining options are exceptionally diverse, ranging from authentic Mexican taquerías to high-end fusion cuisine. Tipping 18-20% at restaurants is standard. While work-life balance varies, the entertainment and tech sectors are known for long hours, often balanced with flexible scheduling.

Source: LA Metro

Los Angeles ranks among the most expensive cities in the United States. While salaries tend to be higher than national averages, particularly in entertainment, tech, and professional services, the cost of housing in LA, especially for renters and prospective homeowners, takes up a far greater share of income.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of December 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, HousingAnywhere