Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles
San Francisco and Los Angeles are both known for their gorgeous weather, great food, exciting nightlife,
and stunning scenery. However, many residents of the Bay Area have decided to leave and head south due to the incredibly high cost of living. It can be next to impossible to find affordable housing in San Francisco, and while Los Angeles is
still expensive, it’s much cheaper than San Francisco. In fact, the overall cost of living in L.A. is 56% lower than in San Francisco. If you have decided to trade in the Golden Gate City for the City of Angels, read on to discover the benefits
of living in Los Angeles, how much it will cost you to move, and how to go about relocating.
Benefits of Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles
For most people, the thought of living anywhere in California would be a dream. After all, the weather is perfect, the scenery is breathtaking, the food is outstanding, and there are tons of things to do. While California cities do have a lot in common,
there are also some very distinct differences that make each of them unique. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the things that make Los Angeles a great place to call home.
Great Weather
While it always seems as if these two cities constantly argue about which has better weather, the truth is the climate of California is ideal no matter where you live. Given the fact that it is located in southern California, Los Angeles is generally
warmer than San Francisco. Furthermore, San Francisco tends to be rainier and is known for its fog while Los Angeles has much less rain and is known for its ample sunshine. This means residents will have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors!
Much Bigger City
To those who prefer San Francisco, this might seem like a con but anyone who loves living in L.A. will tell you they prefer the larger city amenities. Los Angeles is a massive city, but to those looking for excitement that only means there is so much
to explore. There are so many things to do from museums, restaurants, dining, and shopping to outdoor activities like swimming, biking, and hanging on the beach. L.A. is also a city full of diversity with people from all different backgrounds, cultures,
and professions. You are bound to meet tons of new and interesting people.
Better Education
Overall the education in L.A. has been ranked slightly higher than the Bay Area. Los Angeles also has a number of magnet schools in the area, which are ideal for gifted students who want to pursue a career in a particular field. L.A. also has over 110
accredited colleges and universities to choose from. These schools attract students from all over the world who are looking to study film and media, telecommunications and entertainment, fashion and apparel, and international trade. Some of the top-ranked
colleges in L.A. include University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology, University of California-Los Angeles, and Pepperdine University.
Outdoor Lifestyle
The combination of the beautiful weather and the coastal landscape make Los Angeles an ideal location for anyone who loves the outdoors. Thanks to its sandy beaches, beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, and variety of trails, Los Angeles is the perfect place
to enjoy hiking, cycling, surfing, climbing, swimming, and many other outdoor activities. This active, outdoors lifestyle also makes L.A. one of the healthiest cities in America.
Tons of Entertainment
In addition to its serene landscape, L.A. offers its residents plenty of other things to do. Take a stroll along one of the country’s most legendary beaches at the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Here you can also enjoy great restaurants and exciting
nightlife. L.A. is also home to Hollywood, the only place in the country where movie stars and celebrities are literally everywhere! Hollywood is home to some of the country’s most chic restaurants, incredible nightlife, and world-class shopping.
Shopaholics can also get their fill at the Third Street Promenade and Rodeo Drive. Check out tons of live music, marvel at the palm-lined streets, and experience the nightlife at one of the most iconic locations in the country, Sunset Boulevard. No
matter what time it is day or night, there is always something to do in L.A.
Comparison of Living Costs*
- Housing: The median rent in Los Angeles is about 30-50% lower than in San Francisco. While the median home price in San Francisco exceeds $1.3 million, in Los Angeles, it's around $900,000.
- Utilities: Monthly utility costs in Los Angeles are slightly lower, averaging around $150 compared to San Francisco's $160.
- Transportation: Public transportation is more affordable in Los Angeles, with a monthly pass costing around $100, compared to San Francisco's $120. However, owning a car in L.A. might be more necessary due to its sprawling nature.
- Food: Grocery expenses are roughly 10% lower in Los Angeles. Dining out in Los Angeles also tends to be more affordable.
- Healthcare: Average healthcare costs are marginally lower in Los Angeles compared to San Francisco.
Housing Market Information**
Los Angeles Insights
- Popular Neighborhoods: Consider areas like Silver Lake for a vibrant, artistic community, Beverly Hills for luxury living, or Santa Monica for beachside charm.
- Rent and Purchase Prices: Average rent in Los Angeles ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, varying by neighborhood. Purchase prices average around $900,000 but can vary greatly based on location and property size.
- Finding a Place: Utilize online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, and consider hiring a local real estate agent for in-depth guidance.
Cultural and Lifestyle Differences
- Cultural Scene: Los Angeles is renowned for its entertainment industry, offering a vibrant scene in film, television, and music. San Francisco, while also culturally rich, leans more towards tech and innovation.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: Both cities offer great outdoor activities, but L.A.'s warmer climate provides more year-round opportunities for beach activities and outdoor sports.
- Social Dynamics: Los Angeles is known for its diverse and sprawling nature, offering a mix of lifestyles and communities. San Francisco, while diverse, has a more compact and community-oriented feel.
- Nightlife and Dining: L.A. boasts a more diverse dining scene and a vibrant nightlife that caters to the entertainment industry, while San Francisco is known for its world-class cuisine and more laid-back nightlife.
By understanding these aspects, you can better prepare for your move and transition smoothly into your new life in Los Angeles.
Cost of Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles
The average cost of a move from San Francisco to Los Angeles is between $1,500 - $5,000. The average linehaul moving cost from San Francisco to Los Angeles with Allied is $2,287.
The exact price of your move will depend on a number of factors including the exact distance you are moving, the number of items being moved, additional packing supplies, and additional services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Instaquote listed above.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
The cost of moving can vary widely based on several factors. Here's a breakdown to help you budget effectively:
- Time of Year: Moving costs tend to be higher during the summer months, from May to September, due to higher demand. Planning your move during the off-peak season can lead to lower costs.
- Size of the Household: The volume of items being moved significantly impacts the cost.
How to Move from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Many people who have decided to move to a new city find themselves in a situation where they are thinking “where do I even begin?” That’s why it’s important to enlist the help of a trusted and professional moving company to help you through the process. At Allied, we understand how stressful the moving process can be and that’s why we provide customers with a fully customized plan that is just right for them. Our team of professionals has made more than
750,000 moves in the past 15 years and we are experienced and equipped to handle long distance moves.
Feel at ease with a name you can trust. Call today and let Allied help you get started with your relocation.
Sources:
- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
- https://www.bls.gov/