LAX

Los Angeles

California, United States

Arriving, settling in and working in Los Angeles: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to Los Angeles Read the guide ↓

Photo: Venti Views / Unsplash

Guide sections12

Sourced facts62

Last verified1 Nov 2026

Areas with rent9

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Los Angeles at a glance

The basics about Los Angeles, plus official sources for time, weather and living costs.

The city uses Pacific Time. In 2026, daylight saving time runs from 8 March to 1 November; clocks change at 2 a.m.
nist.gov ↗
For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the National Weather Service forecast office for Los Angeles, based in Oxnard.
weather.gov ↗
Zumper's rent data for Los Angeles lists an average of $2,050 a month for a 1-bedroom and $2,813 for a 2-bedroom (page updated 1 November 2026).
zumper.com ↗
Santa Monica, a separate city, is pricier: Zumper lists $2,850 for a 1-bedroom and $4,295 for a 2-bedroom (28 October 2026).
zumper.com ↗

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In Pasadena, Zumper lists $2,395 for a 1-bedroom and $3,050 for a 2-bedroom (28 October 2026).
zumper.com ↗

External links

Zumper Los Angeles rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Laws and customs

California rules that often surprise newcomers.

Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and over. You can carry up to one ounce (28.5 grams) of cannabis and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis.
cdph.ca.gov ↗
You cannot use, smoke, eat or vape cannabis in public places. If you drive under the influence, police can stop you and give you a sobriety test.
cdph.ca.gov ↗
Adults can grow up to six plants at home, in a locked space that can't be seen from public view. Local governments may ban growing outdoors.
cdph.ca.gov ↗
For mental health or suicide crisis support, call 988 or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. It is free, confidential and open 24/7.
988lifeline.org ↗

External links

Cannabis laws (CDPH) ↗988 Lifeline ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Los Angeles

Getting from LAX into the city, and your first admin steps.

FlyAway buses run between each LAX terminal and two stops: LA Union Station and Van Nuys.
flylax.com ↗
A one-way FlyAway ticket costs $12.75 (since 2 April 2025). Board on the Lower/Arrivals level at the blue FlyAway columns outside each terminal.
flylax.com ↗
On Metro buses and trains you can tap a contactless bank card or a phone wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
metro.net ↗
If you are not a US citizen, you must report each change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. A US Postal Service change of address does not update USCIS. A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors are exempt.
uscis.gov ↗

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If your Social Security number was not requested with your visa or green card application, the SSA suggests waiting 10 days after arrival before you apply, so your documents can be verified.
ssa.gov ↗

External links

FlyAway (LAX) ↗Metro fares ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Getting around

Metro buses and trains, TAP and fare caps.

A regular one-way Metro ride costs $1.75.
metro.net ↗
Transfers are free if you tap again within two hours; round trips don't count.
metro.net ↗
Fares are capped: after three paid rides in a day the rest of the day is free, so you never pay more than $5 a day or $18 over seven days.
metro.net ↗
Pay with a reusable TAP card or the TAP app, loading money to tap and ride, or tap a bank card or phone wallet.
metro.net ↗

External links

Metro fares ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and housing

Rent caps, rent stabilisation and deposits.

The City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) covers most rental units first built on or before 1 October 1978, including apartments, duplexes and some single-family homes on shared lots.
housing.lacity.gov ↗
Check whether a unit is covered with LAHD's online RSO property search, or call LAHD on 1-866-557-7368.
housing.lacity.gov ↗
California's statewide cap limits yearly rent rises to 5% plus the change in the cost of living, up to a maximum of 10%. It does not cover housing 15 years old or newer.
oag.ca.gov ↗
For rent increases starting between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027, the cap in the Los Angeles Area (Los Angeles and Orange counties) is 8.7%.
oag.ca.gov ↗

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If your city has a stricter rent stabilisation law, the lower cap applies. When a tenant moves out, the landlord can set the rent for the next tenant.
oag.ca.gov ↗
Since 1 July 2024, a security deposit can be at most one month's rent. Some small landlords (a person owning no more than two properties with four or fewer units in total) can charge up to two months.
oag.ca.gov ↗
Within 21 days after you move out, the landlord must return the deposit and send an itemised statement of any deductions.
oag.ca.gov ↗

External links

RSO overview (LAHD) ↗Limits on rent increases (CA AG) ↗Zumper LA rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Schools

Enrolling children in LA Unified schools.

Find your assigned neighbourhood school by entering your address in LAUSD's Resident School Identifier, or ask any school for help.
enroll.lausd.net ↗
Enrol new TK–12 students online through LAUSD's One Enrollment portal. It opens for the following school year from mid-March.
enroll.lausd.net ↗
Paper enrolment packets and in-person help are available at each school.
enroll.lausd.net ↗
LAUSD Enrollment Support is on (213) 443-1300 (enroll@lausd.net); the main district line is (213) 241-1000.
enroll.lausd.net ↗

External links

LAUSD enrollment ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Healthcare

Health insurance and low-cost care in Los Angeles.

Covered California is the state's health plan marketplace. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027; choose a plan by 31 December to be covered for all of 2027.
coveredca.com ↗
State help with premiums is available for incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($31,920 for one person). State funding rose to $300 million for 2027.
coveredca.com ↗
Enhanced federal premium tax credits have expired. Covered California says state funding cannot replace the nearly $2.5 billion Californians used to receive.
coveredca.com ↗
Outside open enrollment you can sign up after a major life change; the special enrollment period usually lasts 60 days from the event.
coveredca.com ↗

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Medi-Cal and Covered California share one application, which tells you which programme you qualify for.
coveredca.com ↗
Los Angeles County's My Health LA programme for uninsured residents ended on 31 January 2024; the County suggests checking whether you qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal instead.
dhs.lacounty.gov ↗
Covered California's service center is on (800) 300-1506 (TTY (888) 889-4500), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
coveredca.com ↗

External links

Covered California ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Banking and ID

Social Security numbers, tax IDs and bank accounts.

Noncitizens can usually get a Social Security number only if DHS has authorised them to work. Applying is free; you start online and then visit a Social Security office within 45 days with original documents.
ssa.gov ↗
If you are not eligible for a Social Security number but need a US tax number, apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7.
irs.gov ↗
To open a bank account you usually need photo ID (some banks accept a foreign passport or consular ID), proof of address and an SSN or ITIN. Without an SSN or ITIN you may only be able to open a no-interest account.
files.consumerfinance.gov ↗
Bank deposits are insured by the FDIC up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, at each insured bank.
fdic.gov ↗

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Ask a bank in advance whether it accepts your foreign passport or consular ID, and check minimum balance, ATM and overdraft fees.
files.consumerfinance.gov ↗

External links

SSN for noncitizens (SSA) ↗Opening an account (CFPB) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Driving and cars

Licences, tests and appointments.

Visitors aged 18 or over with a valid licence from their home state or country can drive in California while that licence stays valid.
dmv.ca.gov ↗
Once you become a California resident, you must get a California licence within 10 days.
dmv.ca.gov ↗
At the DMV office you pay the application fee, give a thumbprint and photo, take a vision exam and pass the knowledge test(s); you get three attempts per test.
dmv.ca.gov ↗
With a licence from another country you must also pass a driving test. Bring proof of insurance, and have another licensed driver take you to and from the test.
dmv.ca.gov ↗

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Driving tests need an appointment: book online or call 1-800-777-0133. A retest costs $7.
dmv.ca.gov ↗
A REAL ID licence (marked with a bear and star) can be used to board domestic flights. AB 60 licences, for people who can't prove legal presence, are not REAL ID compliant.
dmv.ca.gov ↗

External links

Driver's licenses (CA DMV) ↗Fast Facts 5 (CA DMV) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Where people live in Los Angeles

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 31 Oct 2026. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Koreatown

City of Los Angeles

1 bedroom$1,993

2 bedroom$2,475

SinglesLower rentNear the centre

Source: Wilshire Center - Koreatown rent prices — Zumper ↗

Downtown Los Angeles

City of Los Angeles

1 bedroom$2,499

2 bedroom$3,363

SinglesNear the centreGood transitNightlife

Source: Downtown Los Angeles rent prices — Zumper ↗

Hollywood

City of Los Angeles

1 bedroom$2,530

2 bedroom$3,485

SinglesNightlife

Source: Central Hollywood rent prices — Zumper ↗

Sherman Oaks

City of Los Angeles

1 bedroom$2,145

2 bedroom$2,772

CouplesFamilies

Source: Sherman Oaks rent prices — Zumper ↗

Van Nuys

City of Los Angeles

1 bedroom$1,814

2 bedroom$2,499

Lower rentFamilies

Source: Van Nuys rent prices — Zumper ↗

Palms

City of Los Angeles

1 bedroom$2,395

2 bedroom$3,195

StudentsCouples

Source: Palms rent prices — Zumper ↗

West Los Angeles

City of Los Angeles

1 bedroom$2,395

2 bedroom$3,295

CouplesSingles

Source: West Los Angeles rent prices — Zumper ↗

Santa Monica

Separate city

1 bedroom$2,850

2 bedroom$4,295

CouplesSingles

Source: Santa Monica, CA rent prices — Zumper ↗

Pasadena

Separate city

1 bedroom$2,395

2 bedroom$3,050

FamiliesQuiet

Source: Pasadena, CA rent prices — Zumper ↗

Zumper's average asking rent per month for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom homes listed on Zumper, from each neighbourhood or city page's rent table (pages updated 22 Oct to 1 Nov 2026). Asking rents for new listings, not rents on existing or RSO leases..

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay, leave and rights at work.

California's minimum wage is $16.90 an hour for all employers from 1 January 2026. Some cities and counties set a higher rate.
dir.ca.gov ↗
The City of Los Angeles minimum wage is $18.42 an hour from 1 July 2026. The Office of Wage Standards is on (213) 847-2670.
wagesla.lacity.gov ↗
Employers must give at least 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave a year, whichever is more. Under an accrual plan you earn one hour for every 30 hours worked.
dir.ca.gov ↗
An employer with 15 or more employees must include the pay scale in any job posting.
dir.ca.gov ↗

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Paid Family Leave pays up to 8 weeks within any 12-month period, at roughly 70–90% of your wages depending on income.
edd.ca.gov ↗
Questions about wages, breaks or sick leave go to the Labor Commissioner's Office on 833-526-4636.
dir.ca.gov ↗

External links

Minimum wage (CA Labor Commissioner) ↗LA minimum wage notice 2026 ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Universities

Major universities and help for international students.

UCLA has 46,678 students: 33,040 undergraduates and 13,638 graduate students.
ucla.edu ↗
UCLA lists 6,347 international students; 7.7% of undergraduates are international.
ucla.edu ↗
USC has about 46,000 students in 2025-26: roughly 21,000 undergraduates and 25,000 graduate and professional students.
usc.edu ↗
USC had 11,959 international students in fall 2025, about 26.1% of its students. Its campuses are University Park and the Health Sciences Campus.
usc.edu ↗

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International students must be accepted by an SEVP-certified school before applying for a student visa. The SEVP Response Center is on 703-603-3400, weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗

External links

Study in the States (DHS) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Communities and support

Where to get free help and connect with others.

LA Public Library's New Americans Centers give free help, by phone or in person, with citizenship applications, Green Cards, DACA and work permit renewals.
lapl.org ↗
The library runs free citizenship classes covering English, civics and history, and beginner English (ESL) classes online and in person.
lapl.org ↗
Call 213-228-7390 and leave a message in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese or Farsi; staff call back within 2 working days.
lapl.org ↗
New Americans Centers are at the Central, Cahuenga, Echo Park, Junipero Serra, Pacoima, Pio Pico-Koreatown and Wilmington libraries. They can only help people who live in California.
lapl.org ↗

External links

New Americans (LAPL) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

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