Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Los Angeles, you'd need to earn:
$83,782/year
▲ $8,782 more than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $83,782 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$10,046 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$5,194 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,215 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$4,334 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $62,993 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +9.7% in Los Angeles
- Housing is +52.1% in Los Angeles
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $195/year in taxes in Los Angeles
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,742 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Los Angeles
| Your Chicago Salary | Los Angeles Equivalent | Difference | Los Angeles Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $42,810 | +$2,810 | $35,290 |
| $50,000 | $53,935 | +$3,935 | $43,562 |
| $60,000 | $65,598 | +$5,598 | $51,826 |
| $75,000 | $83,782 | +$8,782 | $62,993 |
| $100,000 | $113,151 | +$13,151 | $80,922 |
| $150,000 | $172,487 | +$22,487 | $116,064 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Los Angeles Compare
Housing (52% more expensive in Los Angeles)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles rents for $2,295/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $940,000 in Los Angeles vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. 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 $195/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Los Angeles's overall cost of living is 9.7% higher than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Los Angeles: 113.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Los Angeles move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
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 →