80-85K in LA? (Moving from Houston,Tx) (Los Angeles, Glendale: real estate, apartment)

[dap hopefull]

Hi,

I have a potential job offer in Los Angeles (office is located in Downtown LA). Salary range would be 80-85K a year (+ bonus but I do not want to count that). I would be coming from Houston, Texas where I make about 45K a year. My question is, is that a good enough salary for a move to LA? It would be myself, my wife and my three week old son (and two dogs). Ideally my wife would not work. We are used to living in big cities such as Houston and Mexico City.

I live within my means. I own a house here in Houston (which I would rent) but I would try to rent a 2 bedroom apartment or house somewhere in the suburbs of LA for the first couple of years. Not trying to get rich but definitely looking to advance my quality of life (at least economically) and professional career. Ideally, I would want a family oriented neighborhood.

Is this doable with 80-85K? What areas do you recommend?

Thanks.

[bophisto]

I think 80-85k is probably doable. That's a decent salary as long as you don't spend crazy on stuff like luxury cars,etc. Downtown has become a nice place to live and it definately seems to be improving if any area of the city improves it will be downtown. City government seems determined to make downtown a success. I'm not sure if it's quite family friendly right now ...seems more geared towards singles or couples w/ out kids right now. I would look into Atwater Village or Glendale would be a nicer area for families, lots of amenities ,restaurants, pretty safe in most parts . You'll probably have a lot better commute than if you tried to go for something on the westside..and with L.A traffic its always best to be as close to work as possible.

Congrats on the job offer , thats a nice salary!

[TurcoLoco]

Is staying in Houston with that new salary an option? If so, I would. Considering cost of living in LA, I am guesstimating making 80K-85K in LA is equivalent to making around 40K-45K in Houston.

[JohnG72]

Real estate is nuts at the moment in LA.

But the good news is that renting is feasible.

A small house in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Atwater Villiage, Burbank, or Glendale should rent for $1900-2400/mo.

Think 1100 sq ft remodeled home build in the 1920's-1965.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Pretty much all the salary "gain" will go toward housing and taxes.

[dap hopefull]

Originally Posted by TurcoLoco

Is staying in Houston with that new salary an option? If so, I would. Considering cost of living in LA, I am guesstimating making 80K-85K in LA is equivalent to making around 40K-45K in Houston.

That is not an option. I wish it was.

[yoyoma02]

I disagree with eveyrone here. You are getting a nice bump. I would say $45k in Houston is like $65k in LA.

Housing is the only considerable difference.

By the way, I make less than $60k and I live comfortably.

[bophisto]

Yeah I agree ..what are you paying for housing now..just curious. I don't think 80-85k = to 40-45k for the move. I think you should be able to rent a decent 2bedroom place for under $2,000

[dap hopefull]

Originally Posted by yoyoma02

I disagree with eveyrone here. You are getting a nice bump. I would say $45k in Houston is like $65k in LA.

Housing is the only considerable difference.

By the way, I make less than $60k and I live comfortably.

Thanks. Like I said, I am not looking to get rich and I would not buy a house. I have one here in Houston and I am not ready to make that kind of commitment yet. We are not big spenders. We only eat out on the weekends and do not spend lots of money or clothes or anything like that. Perhaps a movie or two a month. We are more of the outdoors (free!).

My ceiling in this company is way higher and that is a big incentive. Additionally, it is a more prestigious company. I would hope to clear six figures within two-three years.

I have personally never been to LA but I am guessing that it is a big city with a lot of problems but also a lot of good things. Just like Houston or Mexico City. I am definitely attracted to all the stuff we can do in the area (parks, beach, etc). Houston is very plain and has not mountains or anything like that.

[dap hopefull]

Originally Posted by bophisto

Yeah I agree ..what are you paying for housing now..just curious. I don't think 80-85k = to 40-45k for the move. I think you should be able to rent a decent 2bedroom place for under $2,000

Believe it or not I pay 850 a month for a brand new (2009), 3 bedroom house, 2 & 1/2 baths, 1600 sqt feet, two car garage. I live in Pearland which is a suburb of Houston. My commute is already close to an hour long so I am not worried about that.