Make it a trip · Los Angeles, United States
What Los Angeles costs
once you land
Real prices, from the airport ride to a room for the night, each with where we found it. Checked October 2026, around Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Prices as the source quoted them.
Half a villa or 4-star room, two meals out, a coffee, two beers and the signature experience.
Arriving
-
ESTA travel authorisation Fixed
For AU, NZ, GB, IE, NL, DE, FR, SG passports.
Rose to $40.62 on 16 October 2026. Valid two years. Apply only on the official CBP site or app.
Sources: VisasNews, ESTA fee rise (2026-10), Buch dein Visum, ESTA fee (2026-10)
US$41 -
FlyAway bus to Union Station Fixed
About 45 minutes, then Metro onward. The Hollywood FlyAway route is suspended. Most visitors use Uber or Lyft from the LAX-it pickup lot.
Source: LAX, FlyAway bus (2026)
US$12.80 Book an airport pickup -
No visa or ESTA needed Fixed
For CA passports.
Canadian citizens visit visa free with a passport.
Source: Layla, US ESTA guide (2026)
Free -
Free
Getting around
-
Metro bus or train ride Fixed
Tap a TAP card or phone. LA is spread out, so most trips mean a ride-hail.
Source: Numbeo, Los Angeles (2026-10)
US$1.80 -
Car hire, per day Range
LAX airport and city averages, before taxes and insurance. In LA a car is often worth it.
Sources: Cheapflights, LAX car rental (2026), Cheapflights, Los Angeles car rental (2026)
US$41 to US$52 Compare cars
Eating and drinking
-
Meal at a cheap restaurant Many reports
With tax and tip. Taco trucks cost a fraction.
Source: Numbeo, Los Angeles (2026-10)
US$27 -
US$15
-
Dinner for two, three courses Many reports
A mid-range restaurant, without drinks. Add tax and an 18 to 20% tip.
Source: Numbeo, Los Angeles (2026-10)
US$120 -
US$6
-
US$8
At the supermarket
-
US$2.50
-
US$3.70
-
Beer, half a litre, to take away Many reports
Alcohol is banned on most LA beaches.
Source: Numbeo, Los Angeles (2026-10)
US$3 -
In-N-Out Double-Double meal Fixed
Burger, fries and a drink before tax, after the 2024 price rise. The California classic.
Source: ABC7, In-N-Out prices (2024)
US$10.50
Doing
-
Universal Studios Hollywood, one day Range
From $109 online on quiet days, $150 or more on busy dates. Parking is extra.
Source: Tripster, Universal Studios Hollywood 2026 (2026)
US$109 Get tickets -
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Range
About three hours in Burbank. Booking online beats the gate price.
Sources: The Better Vacation, Warner Bros. tour (2026), Fever, Warner Bros. Studio Tour (2026)
US$66 to US$79 Get tickets
Everyday
-
Coworking, day pass Range
Serendipity Labs downtown and WeWork. Santa Monica spaces charge $65 and up.
Sources: LiquidSpace, Serendipity Labs Downtown (2026), WeWork, Los Angeles (2026)
US$25 to US$39
Sleeping, per night
-
Hostel dorm bed, Hollywood Range
Samesun, PodShare and the Santa Monica HI hostel sit in this range.
Sources: Trip.com, Samesun Hollywood (2026-01), Hostelz, best hostels in Los Angeles (2025-09)
US$40 to US$47 Find a hostel -
Four-star hotel Many reports
Citywide average before tax. Downtown LA averages about $258.
Source: GetCostIdea, LA 4-star hotel cost (2026)
US$288 Find a hotel
Prices change. Fixed fees come from official or widely reported figures; ranges are what travellers and operators report for 2026. Some links are affiliate links: they never change what you pay. How we make money.
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