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:
$76,426/year
▲ $1,426 more than you make now
| Category | San Diego | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $76,426 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,428 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,738 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,108 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$3,650 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $58,502 |
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 | $40,655 | +$655 | $33,688 |
| $50,000 | $50,825 | +$825 | $41,249 |
| $60,000 | $60,993 | +$993 | $48,707 |
| $75,000 | $76,426 | +$1,426 | $58,502 |
| $100,000 | $101,786 | +$1,786 | $73,984 |
| $150,000 | $152,628 | +$2,628 | $104,337 |
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.
Compare Savings Rates →