Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your San Francisco lifestyle in Los Angeles, you'd need to earn:
$73,702/year
▼ $1,298 less than you make now
| Category | San Francisco | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $73,702 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,828 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,570 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,069 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$3,397 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $56,839 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -1.7% in Los Angeles
- Housing is -12.5% in Los Angeles
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~347 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: San Francisco to Los Angeles
| Your San Francisco Salary | Los Angeles Equivalent | Difference | Los Angeles Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $39,308 | -$692 | $32,668 |
| $50,000 | $49,135 | -$865 | $39,993 |
| $60,000 | $58,962 | -$1,038 | $47,237 |
| $75,000 | $73,702 | -$1,298 | $56,839 |
| $100,000 | $98,270 | -$1,730 | $71,837 |
| $150,000 | $147,405 | -$2,595 | $101,253 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How San Francisco and Los Angeles Compare
Housing (12% cheaper in Los Angeles)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles rents for $2,295/month compared to $3,657/month in San Francisco. Median home prices: $940,000 in Los Angeles vs $1,181,000 in San Francisco.
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 1.7% lower than San Francisco, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).San Francisco: 115.6, Los Angeles: 113.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your San Francisco 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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