For many Angelenos, the dream of staying put is getting harder to hold onto. With average rents in Los Angeles hovering around $2,650 a month—roughly 33% above the national average—families and young professionals are starting to look elsewhere. It's not about wanting to leave; it's about making the numbers work.
Recent Zillow data shows that renters in Los Angeles are generating significant interest in rental markets across the western United States. Cities like Riverside, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and even Salt Lake City are seeing a noticeable share of their external rental searches come from LA-based tenants. This isn't just a trickle—it's a pattern that speaks to a broader shift in how people are thinking about home.
Where are LA renters looking?
Riverside stands out as the top destination, capturing 21.3% of external rental inquiries from Los Angeles. Its appeal is clear: it's close enough to Southern California to keep jobs and family ties, even if it means a longer commute. For many, the trade-off is worth it.
Las Vegas is another big draw, pulling 5.5% of LA's external rental searches. The average one-bedroom there goes for about $1,200 a month, compared to $2,075 in the LA core. That's a savings of over $10,000 a year—money that could go toward a down payment or just breathing room in the monthly budget.
Phoenix also makes the list, attracting 2.3% of external searches, with average rents around $1,229—about $846 less than LA's typical rent. Salt Lake City, meanwhile, sees more than half of its out-of-state rental traffic coming from California, with one-bedrooms averaging $1,300. San Diego, though pricier at $2,395 for a one-bedroom, still draws 8.8% of external interest, driven by jobs, lifestyle, and staying close to family.
Mischa Fisher, chief economist at Zillow, explains that these moves are about more than just saving money. "Strategic relocations can facilitate long-term financial stability and open the door to homeownership," he says. For many Latino families, who often prioritize building generational wealth, that's a powerful motivator.
What to consider before you pack up
Moving to a cheaper city isn't a simple fix. Experts warn that renters need to factor in the full picture—commute times, job stability, and the cost of utilities and neighborhood amenities. A lower rent can quickly be eaten up by a longer drive or higher energy bills.
Tenant advocates also stress the importance of understanding local renter rights and municipal ordinances before signing a lease. Each city has its own rules, and knowing them can prevent headaches down the road.
For those who are willing to make the leap, the savings can be substantial. But it's not a decision to take lightly. As one renter put it, "It's about finding a place where you can actually live, not just survive."
Still, most Angelenos aren't ready to leave. Zillow's data shows that 72.9% of rental searches from LA remain within the metro area. People want to stay close to their communities, their jobs, and their roots. The challenge is finding a way to make it work.
For those who do decide to stay, there are resources and conversations happening about why many Latinos are choosing to rent and invest rather than buy. And for those considering a move, understanding the full picture is key.
As the housing market continues to shift, one thing is clear: the decisions renters make today will shape their financial futures for years to come. Whether you stay or go, being informed is the first step.
