Chicago to San Diego....how expensive is it? (for rent, income)

[87vertgt]

Has anyone ever dont this? whats the difference? thanx

[tigerclaws]

there is a good website called salary.com (if i remember correctly). It can be used to compare cost of living across various cities. It would be a good place to start while you wait for replies to come by.

Also your question is very generic. Can you tell us a little bit more in terms of:
1. Are you planning to rent vs buy
2. What do you like to do?
3. do you have a job etc.?

[leighland]

I moved from Chicago (Wicker Park-renting: worked in the Loop) to SD in 2003. I needed a 10% gross income bump to keep the same lifestyle, keeping in mind that rent was 1100.00 a month for a 3 bedroom at that time and I moved to East County.

[eric7778]

Chicago has a 3% state income tax. California has 9.3%. So you lose out on $6,000 per year if you have a $100k salary, for instance. As for rent, yes, you can live in East County, but that is really the 'boondocks'. If you want to live anywhere near the beach, count on $800+/month WITH roommates, and $1,500+/month if you want to live alone. You just can't find cheaper rent near the ocean. It is as simple as that.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by eric7778

If you want to live anywhere near the beach, count on $800+/month WITH roommates, and $1,500+/month if you want to live alone.

I would say 1850.00 by the beach and 1250 with roommates is much more realistic or you are living in a dilapidated shack.