Moving from Los Angeles to San Diego?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle in San Diego, you'd need to earn:
$73,878/year
▼ $1,122 less than you make now
| Category | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $73,878 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,867 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,580 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,071 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$3,413 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $56,946 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -1.5% in San Diego
- Housing is +5.2% in San Diego
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~111 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Los Angeles to San Diego
| Your Los Angeles Salary | San Diego Equivalent | Difference | San Diego Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $39,401 | -$599 | $32,739 |
| $50,000 | $49,252 | -$748 | $40,080 |
| $60,000 | $59,102 | -$898 | $47,339 |
| $75,000 | $73,878 | -$1,122 | $56,946 |
| $100,000 | $98,504 | -$1,496 | $71,980 |
| $150,000 | $147,755 | -$2,245 | $101,460 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Los Angeles and San Diego Compare
Housing (5% more expensive in San Diego)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego rents for $2,195/month compared to $2,295/month in Los Angeles. Median home prices: $895,000 in San Diego vs $940,000 in Los Angeles.
Taxes
California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%.
Overall Cost of Living
San Diego's overall cost of living is 1.5% lower than Los Angeles, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Los Angeles: 113.6, San Diego: 111.9.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Los Angeles to San Diego move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in San Diego
Average 1BR rent in San Diego: $2,195/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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