Moving from small town in WA State to Orange County, CA... (apartment, lease)

[mrs.lawrence]

My husband is being offered a job down in Orange County, and we are attempting to gather as much information as we can in regards to the cost of living down there, and what an acceptable annual salary would be. We have no children, and will most likely be renting a 1x1 apartment. What would current California residents say is an appropriate annual cost of living?

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by mrs.lawrence

My husband is being offered a job down in Orange County, and we are attempting to gather as much information as we can in regards to the cost of living down there, and what an acceptable annual salary would be. We have no children, and will most likely be renting a 1x1 apartment. What would current California residents say is an appropriate annual cost of living?

$96,000 is what Ive seen recommended for a single person. Take whatever you are paying for almost everything in WA and double it. That should give you an idea. OC is the 3rd most expensive area in the entire country.

[mrsltd]

Originally Posted by mbell75

$96,000 is what Ive seen recommended for a single person. Take whatever you are paying for almost everything in WA and double it. That should give you an idea. OC is the 3rd most expensive area in the entire country.

Where in the world did you see that? $96,000 a year would be decent even here (especially for a single person) unless one has very, very expensive tastes.

Granted, home-ownership would not be feasible unless we're talking condos or manufactured homes but OP indicated they were looking for a 1 x 1 apartment.

Gotta think with other people's heads rather than your own if possible.

[ocGuy714]

Depends a lot on your lifestyle, location, and future financial goals.

Having said that, renting a 1x1, with no kids will give you lots of wiggle room. I mean an expensive 1x1 may run you $2k/month, x12 is 24k for living (my wife and I pay $1100/m on rent). Add transportation fees and other expenses and you'll get a rough salary needed.

[thelopez2]

Orange County is a large.

Monthly income, not budget, for a couple
$2000 savings
$2000 rent
$1000 downpayment for a house.
$400 food if you go eat out with coworkers every day
$400 entertainment
$400 cars no loan or lease payments
$100 cell phones
$100 TV
$50 Internet
$300 vacation
$600 Insurance
$? Gym membership
$200 Groceries
$100 farmer markets
$100 Costco
$100 because you are new and will have many out of state visitors.

$5,000 Whole Paycheck Foods