The last time I was in LA I felt like I spent half of my budget for my trip on food. Has it always been so expensive to eat in LA or am I eating at the wrong places? I like Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and Homestyle Diner Food.

It depends on the neighborhood. What part of LA do you normally visit?

We frequent the Ventura Blvd area when we are out there. We have been all over LA as well and I just find that the food there and where I live here has gone up quite a bit over the years.

I think "expensive" is a relative term. When I go to LA with my other half we only order one portion and two plates - thus it is quite cheap!

Nice one Maya. I find the portions too big in America as well. In the UK it is unusual to ask for what we call a "doggy bag" but Americans seem to do it all the time. Maybe reduce the portions and also the prices. I know that Geordies (people from Newcastle for the uninitiated) would feel obliged to finish any plate that was put in front of them; and still ask for extra bread to mop up the gravy. In LA they might just become Texas-sized.

You know you are on to something there Alex! If they really want us Americans to shape up then cutting portion sizes in resturaunts would be a dream come true. I always find myself having to get a doggie bag and then eating the meal for the next day or sometimes even two!

Little Tokyo downtown has cheap Japanese food (not really sushi though) (can eat for less than $5)

Thai Dishes has the best thai food and is very inexpensive ($6 for two)

Most italian is inexpensive ($10 max) same for mexican