Live in West Virginia... want to move to Los Angeles. With gas, food, apartment, insurance, etc... how much should I bring with me to be able to survive for a few months until I find a job? My rent will probably be 1000 a month.
2006-09-14 07:59:07 · 15 answers · asked by smack_me 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Los Angeles
I found a studio apartments going for 900-1000. I'm planning to pursue television production.
2006-09-14 08:16:40 · update #1
Not renting a UHaul... just packing up everything and going.
2006-09-14 08:18:40 · update #2
I moved from Ohio to LA about 10 years ago, and I thought the cost of living would be astronomical compared to the midwest. It was surprisingly similar to what I payed in Ohio. You can easily rent a decent place for less than $1000 a month, but if you don't mind spending that much, you can get it in a much nicer location. It won't be cheap to transfer your WV licence plates to CA plates, they charge a heafty fee for bringing in cars from other states, since CA has special emmissions requirements. I kept my OH plates as long as I lived in CA. Insurance may be a little higher but only about $200 or so a year higher depending on your insurance co, driving record, etc. To move out there, if your renting a Uhaul, that will cost you $1500 to $2000 for a one way move. and the gas for just the drive in the truck should be pretty hefty, I'd budget at least $500. But, it's a great drive. Jobs are plentiful in LA, unless you plan on becoming a movie star, then your a dime a dozen. But if you have a job field related to the show biz industry, you can find work. I was doing photography out there, and there was always an endless supply of actors and actresses who needed head shots. But, alas, I had to leave LA. It's a city that is just as it's portrayed on tv. Your looks are all that's important, it's not what you know, it's who you know, and who you sleep with to get the job, and all those other Hollywood cliches. But, best of luck.
2006-09-14 08:16:56 · answer #1 · answered by Olive Green Eyes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you found a place for less than $1000 a month, then you will be living in the GHETTO!!! I live an hour away from there, and the rent is much cheaper. To survive for a few months you should plan on bringing more than $10,000. You should visit first, and see if you will even like it here. It is MUCH different than West Virginia. Traffic alone will shock you!
2006-09-14 12:50:31 · answer #2 · answered by Over there 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are in a position to do so, I would suggest you don't plan on coming to California until you have at least $25-30,000 saved up. This will give you more freedom in not feeling pressured into anything like moving into a horrible, dangerous area, etc.
You may want to come for an extended visit first if you can. Then you can talk to people and get the lay of the land. Also, do everything in your power to line up a job before you come here. That is just crazy not to! You can always change jobs once you are here.
If you are going to be in the "industry" you should check out the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena area to live in. The areas are nice and are not too far from most of the studios.
Good luck on your adventure!
2006-09-14 09:27:26 · answer #3 · answered by S V S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a 3 month period, I'd bring at least 6,000. Not including rent and related moving expenses like furniture...you'll need around 3,000 to live a fairly middle-class lifestyle for that time (eat out sometimes, have enough money for gas, be able to go to movies weekly, etc.)
Your rent will be at least 1,000 a month if you live alone. I strongly suggest sharing an apartment to save some money. Look on Craigslist or local papers.
Many people come to pursue media jobs, 90% of them do not make it (and end up being waitresses or in pornographic movies). That's not to say you won't beat the odds. But it is important to be realistic about "the industry"...
2006-09-14 08:12:58 · answer #4 · answered by SFdude 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I came from Iowa 7 years ago with FREE room and board for 6 months, a $10/hr. job to start IMMEDIATELY when I arrived, but only $1000 cash, no car and bad credit. Through the grace of god I haven't sold my soul yet and have no plans to in the future. I am still here, but without some MAJOR help from family and good friends, this place will suck every dime you make REAL quick!!! Job market is not too bad for menial jobs, but if you plan on actually "living" don't come out unless you are WELL prepared for it!!! I would rather be homeless in Orange county than rich in Iowa.
2006-09-14 19:56:31 · answer #5 · answered by Joseph 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe me you do not want to move here. It's one of the most expensive places to live. You're lucky if you'll even find a one bedroom for $1000. It probably costs about $4000-5000 a month to live here. What kind of job are you planning to get? Because they don't pay here according to the cost of living.
2006-09-14 08:10:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just do it. I moved to San Francisco after finishing my masters. I had no money, it just makes you more motivated to make it work.
It's like having kids, if you work out how much it costs you will decide you can't afford it.
Follow your dreams don't let people put you off. People survive in LA on a lot less than $3k a month, not that you would probably want to.
2006-09-14 10:03:47 · answer #7 · answered by n2mustaches 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your rent will be MORE than $1000 a month.
I would budget $2500 per month minimum. I would also have about 6 months set-aside.
Scary expensive and jobs are highly competitive.
Good luck! Follow your dream, just don't shoot yourself in the foot before you even get started by not being prepared!
2006-09-14 08:02:48 · answer #8 · answered by jb_cpq 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The rent rises almost everyday $1000.00 a month is one of the lowest now a days, food here is not too expensive if you no where to go.
2006-09-14 08:03:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cost of living is very expensive in California. You are looking at at least $10,000.00.
2006-09-14 08:03:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋