East Hollywood Los Angeles Budget Guide

Emergency Numbers: Police: 911 | Medical / Fire: 911 | Local Currency: USD (1 USD ≈ 1USD)

Map of Budget Spots

Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation

Name	Type	Cost / Night	Address	Tips & Rules
PodShare East Hollywood	Hostel	50 USD	4534 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029	Co-living style pod beds with shared kitchen and Wi-Fi. Booking in advance online is required.

Cheap Groceries & Free Meals

Supermarket Discount Hours: Jons Marketplace discounts baked goods and prepared meats in the late evening (8:00 PM–10:00 PM).
Best Cheap Eats: Thai noodle soups and daily lunch specials in Thai Town along Hollywood Blvd, or bulk pupusas along Santa Monica Blvd.

Discount Supermarkets

Supermarket	Best Budget Buys	Address (Google Maps)
Jons Marketplace	Store-brand staples, bulk rice, produce specials, Armenian flatbreads, and deli cheeses	4870 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Silom Supermarket	Bulk jasmine rice, cheap tofu, curry pastes, fresh herbs, and imported noodles	5321 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Free Meals & Food Banks

Location	Address (Google Maps)	Opening Hours & Requirements
Hollywood Food Coalition	5939 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028	Serves hot, nutritious dinners every night of the year starting around 6:30 PM. Open to anyone in need, no ID required.

Free Water & Public Restrooms

Free Drinking Water Points

Location	Address (Google Maps)	Where to Find It
Barnsdall Art Park Drinking Fountains	4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027	Fountains located near the pine grove and Hollyhock House grounds. Park open daily 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Cahuenga Branch Library Water Fountain	4591 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029	Indoor water fountain/refill point inside the public library during operational hours.

Free Public Toilets

Location	Address (Google Maps)	Hours & Notes
Barnsdall Art Park Public Restrooms	4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027	Public restrooms near the park entrance and upper lawn area. Open during park hours.
Cahuenga Branch Library Restrooms	4591 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029	Clean, free indoor restrooms available to visitors during regular open hours.

Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers

Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets

Place	Address (Google Maps)	Wi-Fi & Desk Details
LAPL Cahuenga Branch Library	4591 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029	Free high-speed LAPL Wi-Fi, desktop access, and power outlets along study tables. Requires LAPL card or guest pass.

Note: Public Wi-Fi here is unencrypted. If accessing bank or work portals, keep NordVPN on. Grab the student rate (via Student Beans verification), or lock in the 2-year plan to save the most.

Cheap Showers & Public Baths

No cheap public bathhouses or drop-in showers found inside this district. A budget gym day-pass is often the best alternative.

Getting Around Cheaply

Best Way to Move Around: LA Metro B Line (Red Line subway) via Hollywood/Western, Vermont/Sunset, or Vermont/Santa Monica stations, plus local Metro buses.
Standard Fare: 1.75USD
Transit Scams to Avoid: Unofficial drivers hanging around Metro stations offering rides; always use official Metro buses/trains or ride-share apps.

SIM Cards & Internet

Best Budget Carrier: Mint Mobile / Tello
How to Keep Data Costs Low: Order an eSIM online or buy a prepay SIM starter pack at Target; plans start around $10-$15 per month.

Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid

Common Local Scams

Scam	How to Avoid It
Fake Ticket Inspectors & TAP Card Resellers	Buy TAP cards directly from official TAP machines at Metro stations; ignore individuals selling pre-used cards or claiming to collect fares in cash.

Areas to Avoid at Night:

Unlit side alleys along Western Ave and Santa Monica Blvd late at night; avoid lingering alone inside closed Metro station plazas after midnight.