Re: Budget for 2 adults living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Monica
 

The question is, will you really want to when it's so bloody hot out?

Going for a run in the early morning etc won't be a problem, but lugging the groceries around will be a ball ache.

Re: Budget for 2 adults living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Monica
 

Cell phone plans for an Iphone with data is going to be more like $200 per month and since you have no credit history, expect to pay a deposit of $200-$500 per phone and be tied into a 2 year contract.

Most people I know do not even have landline phones and simply use their cell-phone. However cable TV/internet packages can be found for $100-$160 (depending on the company and package/extras you want) per month. Be were of the low introductory offers since they will increase after 3-6 months and usually come with a 2 year contract. Add Netflix on top of this.

Gas, I would consider a budget of around $80-$120 per month. My wife and I both have SUV's and probably spend $30 (each) in gas per week.

Renters insurance may be a little lower, our renter's insurance is only $120 a year for a 2 bedroom house and when we had an 1 bedroom apartment it was only $80 per year.

Other costs that may apply: water & trash. Also don't forget to include deposits on rental property (usually one months rent), cell phones, utilities (water, gas, electric) & your cable/internet due to your low/zero credit.

Re: Budget for 2 adults living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Monica
 

How much gas you use per mile totally depends on the type of car, and whether you do fast highway driving or slower in-town driving. For example, in my Honda Accord, doing mostly in-town (surface roads, not freeway) driving, I get about 25 miles per gallon. Gas in Phoenix is about $3.75 per gallon. I think it's higher in California.

My husband spends most of his time in West Hollywood, and he doesn't drive...he walks or takes the bus (takes a taxi to and from the airport whenever he flies home to Phoenix). He's managed that way for 8 years, but it does get to be a pain because he can't go much beyond the bus line routes, unless he has a friend drive him around.

Rene

Re: Budget for 2 adults living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Monica
 

[QUOTE=Noorah101;10086593] How much gas you use per mile totally depends on the type of car, and whether you do fast highway driving or slower in-town driving. For example, in my Honda Accord, doing mostly in-town (surface roads, not freeway) driving, I get about 25 miles per gallon. Gas in Phoenix is about $3.75 per gallon. I think it's higher in California.

Ok, it's good to have a rough idea thanks. It sounds like gas is cheaper stateside than UK, but will likely need to drive more so it probably all balances out. In the UK, I drive around 50 miles per month - not far at all!

Bob made a good point - that it will be hot to walk around, I'd much rather be in the car with a/c on! Though I am pretty scared about the driving :unsure: - mostly the freeways. It will be my first time driving on the other side of the road but I guess I will get used to it fairly quickly. I'm wondering if I can purchase some sort of "Sorry, I'm British" bumper sticker to excuse any faux pas...:D

Re: Budget for 2 adults living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Monica
 

I wouldn't worry about it, no one would notice the difference between all the other shit drivers on the road :D

Re: Budget for 2 adults living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Monica
 

When you are ready to look for an apartment check out Craigslist.com: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sea...sk=&bedrooms=1
It's like a better gumtree!

Besides the gas budget needing to be higher (our engines are much bigger), I think that you can get a gym membership for less. Look for discounts through your employer and look out for specials through corporate gyms. x