The short answer
If you can pay several months upfront, a prepaid multi-month plan is usually the lowest monthly cost. If you would rather pay month to month with taxes and fees included, look at an all-in monthly plan. If your household qualifies for California LifeLine, you can get discounted cell service.
Coverage varies block by block in LA. Check your address on each carrier's map or the FCC National Broadband Map before switching.
Price comparison
| Option | Price | What to know | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile, 12-month plans | $15/mo (6GB), $20/mo (17GB), $25/mo (23GB), $30/mo (Unlimited) | Paid upfront for the whole term (for example 12 × $15 = $180). Taxes and fees are extra. | mintmobile.com |
| Mint Mobile, 3-month new-customer offer | $15/mo (6GB), $20/mo (17GB), $25/mo (23GB), $30/mo (Unlimited) | Intro price for the first 3 months, paid upfront (for example $45 for 6GB). Renews at the regular price. Taxes and fees are extra. | mintmobile.com |
| Visible, monthly | Visible $25/mo; Visible+ $35/mo; Visible+ Pro $45/mo | Taxes and fees included. Unlimited data on Verizon's network. Promo codes on the plans page can lower these prices. | visible.com |
| Visible, annual | Visible $275/yr; Visible+ $375/yr | Paid upfront. No refunds on annual plans after activation. | visible.com |
| California LifeLine (cell phone) | Discount of up to $19/mo today | For eligible low-income households (for example, a 1-person household with income up to $24,600). On Oct 8, 2026 the CPUC approved new no-cost wireless tiers with 8GB, 15GB or 20GB of data; ask a LifeLine provider when they are available. | cpuc.ca.gov |
Official plan pages
Which one fits you?
- Lowest monthly cost and you can pay upfront: a 12-month prepaid plan.
- Want month to month with taxes included: an all-in monthly plan.
- Low-income household: check California LifeLine first.
Before you switch
- Check coverage at your home and work address.
- Confirm your phone is unlocked and compatible.
- Keep your old line active until your number moves over.
- Confirm the final total, including taxes and fees, at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest phone plan in Los Angeles?
Without LifeLine, Mint Mobile's 12-month 6GB plan was $15 a month on its plans page on Oct 28, 2026, paid upfront ($180), with taxes and fees extra. Eligible low-income households should check California LifeLine first.
Are taxes and fees included in these prices?
Visible says its plan prices include taxes and fees. Mint Mobile prices do not include taxes and fees, which are added at checkout.
Do I have to pay upfront?
Mint Mobile plans are paid upfront for the full 3, 6 or 12 months. Visible offers monthly plans and annual plans that are paid upfront.
Who qualifies for California LifeLine?
Households enrolled in programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI or WIC, or households under the income limits, for example $24,600 a year for one person (June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027). See the CPUC eligibility page.
How current are these prices?
Every price was checked on the official page on Oct 28, 2026. Carriers change prices and promos often, so confirm on the linked page before you buy.