Example household · Los Angeles, CA · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Lake Havasu City

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Los Angeles vs Lake Havasu City

Los Angeles and Lake Havasu City

Photo: S. Winkvist / Wikimedia, CC0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Lake Havasu City are close to the US rate in this release, 5.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Los Angeles to Lake Havasu City

In 2022-2023, 779 households filed a move from Los Angeles to Lake Havasu City (about 1,308 people, average adjusted gross income $97,160). 262 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,273 in Los Angeles and $1,039 in Lake Havasu City. Los Angeles has a state tax on wages. Lake Havasu City has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Lake Havasu City is 82% of the national level for the same work, against 112% in Los Angeles.

Lake Havasu City averages 273 sunny days, with July highs around 106°F and January nights around 35°F. Los Angeles is 284 sunny days, 84°F in July, 48°F in January. Commutes average 20 minutes in Lake Havasu City and 32 in Los Angeles.

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.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 779 households moved Los Angeles → Lake Havasu City (about 1,308 people, average AGI $97,160). 262 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 Los Angeles and Lake Havasu City changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 330 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,100–$3,900
Container or pod
$1,400–$2,650
Rent a truck
$600–$1,150

Movers in Lake Havasu City and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Lake Havasu City cheaper than Los Angeles after tax and rent?

Yes. Lake Havasu City leaves about $1,808 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,273 in Los Angeles and $1,039 in Lake Havasu City.

Does Lake Havasu City have state income tax?

Lake Havasu City is in Arizona, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Los Angeles to Lake Havasu City?

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.