- Rent: $1900 for 1000 sq. ft moderately sized 2-bedroom, 2-bath with walkout patio in a two-floor, 3 unit house. 10 minutes walk to the beach. Really nice area just behind the Venice Canals -- we are lucky -- average rents in this area for same sized apartment runs around $2500/month. If you want to rent a house on the canals, you can get one anyway from $3500-$8000+.

- Utilities: $130 (bundled packae) for digital cable, cable internet, telephone (includes unlimited long distance for USA & Canada).

- Transportation: $90/month for gas (only for commuting to work and back - around 18 miles/day).

- Groceries+Dry goods: around $500/month for 2 people. It's expensive living in Westside of the city; you can get cheaper groceries at Mexican and Persian markets. Dozen eggs (organic) cost $4.99, loaf of whole-wheat bread - $3.50, gallon of milk - $3.70.

- Eating out: lunch at no frills cafe can be eaten for around $8-$10 for entree; there are wide range of restaurants, but prices at medium restaurants (e.g. Cheesecake factory) average $12-$20 entree. Higher priced restaurants charge anywhere from $23-$35+ for entrees.