Uprootmap
San Diego vs Lake Havasu City
San Diego and Lake Havasu City
Photo: S. Winkvist / Wikimedia, CC0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
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 San Diego to Lake Havasu City
In 2022-2023, 225 households filed a move from San Diego to Lake Havasu City (about 375 people, average adjusted gross income $76,667). 94 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,292 in San Diego and $1,039 in Lake Havasu City. San Diego 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 109% in San Diego.
Lake Havasu City averages 273 sunny days, with July highs around 106°F and January nights around 35°F. San Diego is 266 sunny days, 78°F in July, 50°F in January. Commutes average 20 minutes in Lake Havasu City and 27 in San Diego.
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, 225 households moved San Diego → Lake Havasu City (about 375 people, average AGI $76,667). 94 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 San Diego and Lake Havasu City 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
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Dig into Lake Havasu City
Questions
Is Lake Havasu City cheaper than San Diego after tax and rent?
Yes. Lake Havasu City leaves about $1,774 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,292 in San Diego 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 San Diego 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.