The cost of living in Los Angeles has become increasingly difficult for working families, students, and everyday residents. Rising rent, housing prices, and gas costs are placing financial pressure on people who are simply trying to afford basic necessities and maintain a stable quality of life.

Many Los Angeles residents are struggling to pay rent while also covering transportation costs needed to get to work, school, and important appointments. Gas prices in California remain among the highest in the country, often hovering around $5–7 per gallon, placing an even greater burden on commuters, students, and families already facing high living expenses.

At the same time, affordable housing remains out of reach for many residents as rent and home prices continue to rise faster than incomes. In Los Angeles, many landlords require renters to make 2–3 times the monthly rent in income just to qualify for housing. For example, if rent is $2,500 per month, applicants may be required to prove they earn $5,000–$7,500 monthly before taxes. This creates a major barrier for students, working families, and middle-income residents who may be able to afford rent but are denied housing because they do not meet strict income requirements.

These affordability challenges are forcing many Californians to live paycheck to paycheck, move farther away from jobs and schools, stay in overcrowded housing situations, or even leave the communities they grew up in entirely.

We are calling on local and state leaders to prioritize policies that make living in Los Angeles more affordable. This includes increasing affordable housing opportunities, addressing barriers to housing access, improving protections against excessive housing costs, exploring ways to reduce the burden of high fuel expenses, and creating policies that better support working families and students.

Our Request:  
We ask Los Angeles and California leaders to take stronger action to improve housing affordability and reduce cost-of-living pressures so residents can continue to live and thrive in the communities they call home.

Sign this petition to support a more affordable Los Angeles.