Moving from Boston to Los Angeles?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Boston lifestyle in Los Angeles, you'd need to earn:
$78,695/year
▲ $3,695 more than you make now
| Category | Boston | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $78,695 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,927 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,879 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,141 |
| State Tax | -$3,750 | -$3,861 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,399 | $59,887 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +4.9% in Los Angeles
- Housing is +14.8% in Los Angeles
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $233/year in taxes in Los Angeles
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~2,591 miles
DIY Truck
$5,000
Container
$8,500
Full-Service
$12,000
Salary Equivalents: Boston to Los Angeles
| Your Boston Salary | Los Angeles Equivalent | Difference | Los Angeles Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $41,971 | +$1,971 | $34,666 |
| $50,000 | $52,463 | +$2,463 | $42,467 |
| $60,000 | $62,956 | +$2,956 | $50,127 |
| $75,000 | $78,695 | +$3,695 | $59,887 |
| $100,000 | $104,927 | +$4,927 | $75,902 |
| $150,000 | $157,390 | +$7,390 | $107,149 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Boston and Los Angeles Compare
Housing (15% more expensive in Los Angeles)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles rents for $2,295/month compared to $2,950/month in Boston. Median home prices: $940,000 in Los Angeles vs $825,000 in Boston.
Taxes
Massachusetts has a progressive state income tax from 5.0% to 9.0%. California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Los Angeles would save you about $233/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Los Angeles's overall cost of living is 4.9% higher than Boston, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Boston: 108.3, Los Angeles: 113.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Boston to Los Angeles move. Average cost: $5,000–$12,000.
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.
Compare Savings Rates →