Michigan to Los Angeles

[socal88]

You're definitely going to be able to live more comfortably in Michigan and be able to buy a nice home in a good area with your salary. 95K/year is great but you won't be able to buy a nice home in a good area unless you've already saved up a fair amount.

Regarding Long Beach, it is not a great area. If you want to be in a good part of Long Beach, you're going to need to spend at least $700-800K.

If you decide to come out to LA, I'd suggest first renting an apartment in Torrance or one of the beach cities such as Redondo or Hermosa since they are good areas not too far from Long Beach.

Unless you have really had it with Michigan and want to come out to LA, you're financially going to be far better off in Michigan with lower COL and possibly higher quality of life.

[gerrardm]

Originally Posted by swanik86

Hello,
I have 2 job offers right now and trying to decide which I should choose. One is in Southfield, MI with $90,000 salary and another with $95,000 in Los Angeles. Both jobs are equally good but I am confused about locations and the expenses/living lifestyle. I am currently located in Southfield, MI and to choose the job here in MI will not change much of our lifestyle. I live with my wife in an apartment with no children and I am able to save almost $2000 of my $4500 salary per month after taxes. My question is, if I move to Los Angeles how much would I be able to save if I live according to my current lifestyle.
One good thing if I stay in Michigan is that I will be able to buy a 3bdr house easily in a nice neighborhood by next year but I am not sure if I would be able to do the same if I move to Los Angeles. Please shed some of your thoughts and I would really appreciate that.

I would stay where I was cost of living to high on west coast originally from nj

[Marv101]

The cost of living calculator on the CNN Money website is terrific, so give it a try?