Los Angeles is a dream destination for many, offering sunny beaches, Hollywood glamor, and—most importantly—amazing food. But if you’re planning a trip to LA, one question probably stands out: how much should you save for food while traveling in Los Angeles?
This guide will help you estimate your daily food costs, understand what influences food prices, and offer smart tips to enjoy LA’s diverse food scene without overspending.
Average Daily Food Budget in Los Angeles
Your food expenses in LA depend on how you travel. Here’s a quick look at average daily food costs:
- Budget Traveler: $20–$35 per day
- Mid-Range Traveler: $40–$70 per day
- Food Lover / Splurge Traveler: $80–$150+ per day
Several factors can influence these numbers:
- Your accommodation (hotel breakfast included or not)
- Food choices (street food vs. fine dining)
- Location (touristy areas cost more)
- Dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
Cost Breakdown by Meal Type
Breakfast
- Hotel buffet: Often included or $10–$20
- Café or fast food: $5–$15 (e.g., Starbucks, local bakeries)
Lunch
- Food trucks and casual diners: $10–$20
(Try places like Guerrilla Tacos or Kogi BBQ trucks)
Dinner
- Sit-down restaurants: $20–$50+
(Dining in places like Grand Central Market or Venice Beach) - Upscale or trendy spots: $60–$100+ (e.g., Nobu, Bestia)
Popular Places to Eat and Their Price Ranges
Street Food & Food Trucks
- Typical price: $8–$15 per meal
- Where to go: Abbot Kinney Blvd, DTLA food truck events
Mid-Range Restaurants
- Average entrée: $15–$30
- Examples: Jon & Vinny’s, Guelaguetza, Shake Shack
High-End Dining
- Average meal: $40–$100+
- Splurge spots: Providence, Bestia, Catch LA
Tips to Save Money on Food in Los Angeles
1. Take Advantage of Happy Hours
Many restaurants offer 3–6 PM discounts on drinks and small plates.
2. Use Food Apps
Try Yelp, Google Maps, or Too Good To Go to find cheap eats and local favorites.
3. Shop at Grocery Stores
Buy snacks, fruits, or even pre-made meals at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
4. Stay Somewhere With a Kitchen
An Airbnb or hotel with a kitchenette lets you prepare simple meals.
5. Explore Local Neighborhoods
Avoid tourist-heavy areas like Hollywood Blvd for food. Instead, try Koreatown, Thai Town, or East LA for authentic, affordable meals.
Sample Daily Food Budget Plans
Budget Day – $30 Example
- Free hotel breakfast
- Food truck lunch: $10
- Takeout dinner: $15
- Snacks: $5
Mid-Range Day – $60 Example
- Café breakfast: $10
- Casual lunch: $15
- Restaurant dinner: $30
- Coffee/snack: $5
Splurge Day – $100+ Example
- Brunch at a trendy café: $25
- Upscale lunch or sushi: $35
- Fine dining dinner: $60+
How Much Should You Save for Food in LA?
To estimate your food budget, consider your trip length and eating style:
- 3-Day Trip
- Budget traveler: ~$90
- Mid-range: ~$180
- Splurge traveler: ~$300–$450+
- 7-Day Trip
- Budget traveler: ~$210
- Mid-range: ~$400–$600
- Splurge traveler: ~$700–$1,000+
Always plan for a little extra—LA has a way of tempting your tastebuds unexpectedly!
FAQs: Food Budgeting in Los Angeles
No. Tipping is expected. Standard tip: 15–20% of your bill.
Yes, especially with food trucks, grocery store meals, or if breakfast is included with your stay.
Absolutely. Try places like Veggie Grill or local taco trucks with plant-based menus.
If you’re staying in Los Angeles for a full month, a realistic food budget ranges from $600 to $1,800, depending on your eating habits and lifestyle.
– Budget-friendly: $600–$800/month (home-cooked meals, food trucks, grocery shopping)
– Mid-range: $1,000–$1,400/month (mix of dining out and cooking)
– High-end: $1,500–$1,800+/month (frequent dining at restaurants and upscale spots)
A one-week trip to Los Angeles typically costs:
– Budget traveler: $700–$1,000
– Mid-range traveler: $1,200–$1,800
– Luxury traveler: $2,000+
This includes food, lodging, transportation, and attractions but can vary based on your choices.
For a 3-day trip to LA, expect to spend:
– Budget: $300–$500
– Mid-range: $600–$900
– Luxury: $1,000–$1,500+
This estimate includes meals, accommodation, local transport, and a few attractions.
For a 5-day trip to Los Angeles:
– Budget-friendly estimate: $500–$800
– Mid-range: $900–$1,300
– Luxury or premium travel: $1,500–$2,000+
You can adjust your costs based on whether you stay in hostels, hotels, or Airbnb, and how often you dine out or visit paid attractions.
William ScofieldWilliam Scofield is a passionate traveler, adventure seeker, and storyteller. He has explored countless destinations across the globe, with a special love for trekking through mountain trails and hiking off the beaten path. When he’s not on the road, William enjoys writing travel guides, planning itineraries, and sharing practical tips to help others travel smarter. At Traveleon.com, William primarily focuses on writing about transportation—from ferry routes and train journeys to budget flight hacks and local transit tips. He spends weekends kayaking or biking in nature. With a deep curiosity for cultures and a knack for simplifying complex travel logistics, William aims to make every journey easier and more enjoyable for his readers.