Which is more expensive?
USC does not differentiate between in-state and OOS tution like UCLA. UCLA will cost your around $55K/year for tuition/room/board/books/travel etc… and little to no FA. USC will cost your around $65K/year for the same but they offer merit and FA, so your costs could be lower. Use the Net Price Calculator to determine your costs.
My son applied to USC, but not to UCLA, precisely because we assumed he’d get aid at USC, but not at UCLA as out of state. He is now a junior at USC and that proved to be true. USC has been generous with FA.