Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles (2026)
Los Angeles has a COL index of 173 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Los Angeles to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,670 |
| $50K | $44,588 |
| $60K | $53,505 |
| $75K | $66,881 |
| $80K | $71,340 |
| $100K | $89,175 |
| $120K | $107,010 |
| $150K | $133,763 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Los Angeles
| Expense | San Francisco | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $2,800 |
| Groceries | $448 | $410 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $160 | $145 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $634 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Los Angeles cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 173 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles could save roughly $853/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,236/year.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $66,881/year in Los Angeles. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only