Moving from Los Angeles to Oaxaca (2026)
Oaxaca has a COL index of 32 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 82% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Oaxaca to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 82% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Oaxaca |
|---|---|
| $40K | $7,399 |
| $50K | $9,249 |
| $60K | $11,098 |
| $75K | $13,873 |
| $80K | $14,798 |
| $100K | $18,497 |
| $120K | $22,197 |
| $150K | $27,746 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Oaxaca
| Expense | Los Angeles | Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $400 |
| Groceries | $410 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $150 |
| Utilities | $145 | $45 |
| Internet | $70 | $25 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $3,741 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $2,525 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oaxaca cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Oaxaca has a cost of living index of 32 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 82% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Oaxaca?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Oaxaca saves roughly $2,981/month on core expenses. That's ~$35,772/year.
What salary do I need in Oaxaca to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $13,873/year in Oaxaca. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only