Originally Posted by biggestbopper

100 Brit Pounds a day for food and misc expenses is very high. Food is MUCH cheaper in US than UK. You can eat well in L.A. for $30/40 per person a day. NYC is higher in Manhattan.

As for the idea of taking cabs around--you are in for a shock. In L.A. cabs can be very hard to find and very pricey. Distances in S. Cal are great and cab fares high. Unless your friend lives in Hollywood or the general area of HW cabs are not really practical. L.A. does have a decent subway system which is quite cheap--if you are in areas it covers.