Google Display Ads offer Los Angeles businesses a powerful way to build brand awareness, reach new audiences, and stay top of mind with potential customers. But while the cost-per-click is often lower than Search Ads, setting the right budget still matters — especially in a market as saturated and diverse as LA.
Many businesses overspend on display campaigns that deliver poor results, or they under-budget and get lost in the noise. So how much should you actually spend to make Google Display Ads work in Los Angeles? In this guide, we’ll break down average costs, what you can expect with different budget levels, and how affordable plans like Starter, Growth, and Pro can help you maximize your return.
How Google Display Ads Work
Google Display Ads are designed to show visually engaging ads — banners, images, animations, or responsive text — across a network of over 2 million websites, apps, and YouTube channels. Unlike Search Ads, which appear when someone types a keyword into Google, Display Ads are passively shown to users as they browse the web.
Display Ads vs. Search Ads (Quick Comparison)
| Feature | Display Ads | Search Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Audience Intent | Low to moderate | High |
| Cost-per-click (CPC) | Lower (avg. $0.50–$2.00) | Higher (avg. $2.00–$20+) |
| Ideal For | Awareness, retargeting, branding | Lead generation, high-intent traffic |
| Placement | Websites, apps, YouTube | Google search results |
How Pricing Works (CPM vs. CPC)
- CPC (Cost Per Click): You pay when someone clicks your ad.
- CPM (Cost Per 1,000 Impressions): You pay based on how many times your ad is shown.
In Los Angeles, you can often choose either bidding method depending on your campaign goals. For awareness campaigns, CPM bidding is common. For traffic-driven campaigns, CPC is preferred.
Average CPC and CPM for Display Ads in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most competitive advertising markets in the U.S., but Google Display Ads remain relatively cost-effective compared to search campaigns. Still, your actual cost depends on your industry, targeting settings, and competition for placements.
Typical CPC Ranges (Cost Per Click)
- Retail & E-commerce: $0.50–$1.50
- Local Services (e.g., cleaners, fitness): $1.00–$2.00
- Healthcare & Dental: $1.50–$2.50
- Real Estate & Finance: $2.00–$3.00
- Legal & Insurance: $2.50–$4.00
Typical CPM Ranges (Cost Per 1,000 Impressions)
- Broad local audience targeting: $3–$6 CPM
- Custom intent or affinity audiences: $5–$10 CPM
- Premium placements (e.g., news, finance sites): $10–$15+ CPM
Display advertising in LA is affordable in terms of exposure, but it only works when paired with proper creative, targeting, and frequency.
Minimum and Recommended Budgets
Your display ad budget in Los Angeles should align with what you’re trying to achieve — brand visibility, retargeting, or driving clicks. Below is a breakdown of realistic budget levels and what you can expect at each tier.
Entry-Level Budget: $300–$500/month
- Best for: Retargeting or small local awareness campaigns
- What to expect:
- 30,000–50,000 impressions
- 150–300 clicks (assuming $1.50–$2.00 CPC)
Recommended Budget for Small Businesses: $1,000–$2,000/month
- Best for: Local lead gen, event promotion, or multi-location campaigns
- What to expect:
- 100,000+ monthly impressions
- 500–1,000+ clicks depending on CPC and targeting
Mid-Scale Budget: $3,000–$5,000+/month
- Best for: Full-funnel strategies — awareness + retargeting + conversion
- What to expect:
- 200,000–400,000 impressions/month
- Up to 2,000+ clicks/month
Display Ad Budgets vs. Search Ad Budgets in LA
When deciding between Google Display and Search Ads in Los Angeles, understanding how their budgets compare is key to using your resources effectively.
Display Ads Are Cheaper — But Less Intent-Driven
- CPC Comparison:
- Display Ads: $0.50–$2.50
- Search Ads: $2–$20+
- Budget Efficiency: Display gives you more impressions and clicks per dollar, but those clicks are less likely to convert right away.
When Display Budgets Make More Sense
- Brand Awareness
- Retargeting
- Event Promotion
When Search Ads Deserve More Budget
- Lead Generation
- High-Margin Services
Budget Split Recommendation for LA Campaigns
- Brand new advertisers: 70% Search, 30% Display
- Retargeting-focused campaigns: 60% Display, 40% Search
- Branding and awareness: 80–100% Display
How Our Plans Support Display Ads Affordably
Starter Plan – $250/mo
- Supports Display Ad Spend: Up to $5,000/month
- Ideal For: Local retargeting or brand awareness
- LA Comparison: Most LA agencies charge $750–$1,200+
✅ Display ad management for less than ⅓ the cost of typical agencies.
Growth Plan – $450/mo
- Supports Display Ad Spend: Up to $15,000/month
- Target Radius: Up to 50 miles with multiple geo-areas
- LA Comparison: Typically $1,500–$2,500/month
✅ Full-service display strategy and support — without inflated mid-tier fees.
Pro Plan – $750/mo
- Supports Display Ad Spend: Up to $25,000/month
- Features: 10+ campaigns, national or custom display reach
- LA Comparison: $3,000+ for similar high-volume support
✅ Enterprise-level display reach and optimization at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion
So, what budget do you need for Google Display Ads in Los Angeles? The answer depends on your goals — but in general, you should plan to spend at least $500/month to see meaningful results, and $1,000–$2,000/month if you want measurable brand lift, strong reach, and consistent traffic.
Display ads are more affordable than search ads, but they also rely on volume and relevance. Whether you’re building awareness, retargeting past visitors, or promoting events, your campaign’s success depends on having the right budget — and the right team managing it.
Most LA PPC agencies charge $750 to $2,500/month or more just to manage display campaigns — often excluding creative, testing, or advanced optimization. In contrast, our Starter, Growth, and Pro plans deliver full support for display advertising at a fraction of the cost, helping small and mid-sized businesses stay competitive without overspending.
If you want real visibility in the LA market without agency markups, our plans give you the reach, strategy, and control you need to make every display dollar count.