Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your San Diego lifestyle in Los Angeles, you'd need to earn:
$76,139/year
▲ $1,139 more than you make now
| Category | San Diego | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $76,139 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,365 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,721 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,104 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$3,623 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $58,326 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +1.5% in Los Angeles
- Housing is -5.0% in Los Angeles
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~111 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: San Diego to Los Angeles
| Your San Diego Salary | Los Angeles Equivalent | Difference | Los Angeles Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $40,608 | +$608 | $33,653 |
| $50,000 | $50,760 | +$760 | $41,201 |
| $60,000 | $60,912 | +$912 | $48,648 |
| $75,000 | $76,139 | +$1,139 | $58,326 |
| $100,000 | $101,519 | +$1,519 | $73,821 |
| $150,000 | $152,279 | +$2,279 | $104,131 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How San Diego and Los Angeles Compare
Housing (5% cheaper in Los Angeles)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles rents for $2,295/month compared to $2,195/month in San Diego. Median home prices: $940,000 in Los Angeles vs $895,000 in San Diego.
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
Los Angeles's overall cost of living is 1.5% higher than San Diego, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).San Diego: 111.9, Los Angeles: 113.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your San Diego to Los Angeles move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Los Angeles
Average 1BR rent in Los Angeles: $2,295/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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