Uprootmap
Lake Havasu City vs San Diego
Lake Havasu City and San Diego
Photo: Boatguy619 / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in San Diego are under the US rate in this release, 2.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Lake Havasu City to San Diego
In 2022-2023, 94 households filed a move from Lake Havasu City to San Diego (about 152 people, average adjusted gross income $57,032). 225 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,039 in Lake Havasu City and $2,292 in San Diego. Lake Havasu City has a state tax on wages. San Diego has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Diego is 109% of the national level for the same work, against 82% in Lake Havasu City.
San Diego averages 266 sunny days, with July highs around 78°F and January nights around 50°F. Lake Havasu City is 273 sunny days, 106°F in July, 35°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in San Diego and 20 in Lake Havasu City.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 94 households moved Lake Havasu City → San Diego (about 152 people, average AGI $57,032). 225 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Lake Havasu City and San Diego changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 305 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $2,050–$3,850
- Container or pod
- $1,400–$2,600
- Rent a truck
- $600–$1,100
Explore more
Dig into San Diego
Questions
Is San Diego cheaper than Lake Havasu City after tax and rent?
No. San Diego leaves about $1,774 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,039 in Lake Havasu City and $2,292 in San Diego.
Does San Diego have state income tax?
San Diego is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Lake Havasu City to San Diego?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.