📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Green Bay and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Green Bay vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Green Bay | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $66,950 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $270,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $170 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $841 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 73.9 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.1 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 345.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.7% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs Green Bay: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown
Choosing between Los Angeles and Green Bay isn't just picking a city—it's picking a lifestyle. One is a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis of dreams and traffic. The other is a tight-knit, football-obsessed town where winter is a way of life. As your personal relocation consultant, I'm here to cut through the noise. We'll use hard data, but I'll give it to you straight: which one actually gives you more bang for your buck, and which one is better for your specific situation? Grab a coffee, and let's dive in.
The Vibe Check: Are You a City Slicker or a Small-Town Soul?
Los Angeles is the quintessential American big city. It's fast-paced, diverse, and endlessly sprawling. The vibe is "hustle culture" meets "chill beach day." You’re trading space for access—to world-class entertainment, a global food scene, and an ocean that’s always calling your name. It’s for the dreamer, the go-getter, and the person who thrives on energy and opportunity. If your career is in entertainment, tech, or any creative field, LA is the global stage.
Green Bay is the polar opposite. It’s a small city (population 105,734) where community is king. The rhythm is dictated by the seasons and the Green Bay Packers. Life is quieter, slower, and more affordable. It’s for the person who values a strong sense of place, a manageable commute, and the beauty of a Great Lake. If you crave a close-knit community where you know your neighbors and can own a single-family home without going into a lifetime of debt, Green Bay is calling.
The Verdict: Are you chasing the spotlight or a peaceful backyard? LA is for the ambitious urbanite; Green Bay is for the grounded homebody.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Take You?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn less in Green Bay, but your money stretches a whole lot further. Let’s break it down.
Cost of Living Showdown (Table Required)
| Category | Los Angeles | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $270,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $841 |
| Housing Index (Nat'l Avg = 100) | 173.0 (Very High) | 73.9 (Very Low) |
| Median Income | $79,701 | $66,950 |
Sticker Shock vs. Sweet Relief:
The numbers tell a brutal story for LA. The median home price in LA is nearly 4x that of Green Bay. Rent is more than double. To match the purchasing power of a Green Bay resident, you'd need a significantly higher salary in LA.
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s play the $100k Salary game. In Green Bay, earning $100k puts you in the top tier. You could comfortably afford a $270k home with a mortgage payment that’s a fraction of your income. You’d live like a king.
In Los Angeles, a $100k salary is above the median but feels middle-class at best. After California’s high state income tax (up to 13.3% for high earners), that paycheck shrinks fast. That $1.2 million home requires a massive down payment and a mortgage payment that would consume a huge chunk of your monthly budget. You’re paying a premium for location, not luxury space.
Insight on Taxes: California has some of the highest income and sales taxes in the nation. Wisconsin’s tax burden is far more moderate. That $100k in Green Bay goes significantly further.
The Verdict: Green Bay wins on pure purchasing power, hands down. If maximizing your disposable income and avoiding financial stress is a priority, Green Bay is the clear choice.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
Los Angeles: A Seller's Market Forever
Buying in LA is a monumental financial undertaking. The median home price of $1,002,500 means you need a household income well over $200k to comfortably afford it. The market is fiercely competitive, often with all-cash offers and bidding wars, especially for desirable neighborhoods. Renting is the default for most, but even that is expensive. The housing index of 173.0 confirms you’re paying a steep premium for the LA lifestyle.
Green Bay: An Accessible Buyer's Market
With a median home price of $270,000, Green Bay is one of the most affordable housing markets in the country. A household earning the median income of $66,950 can realistically own a home. The market is more stable and less frantic. You have a real chance at homeownership without needing a tech salary. Renting is also incredibly affordable, making it a great place to start before buying.
The Verdict: Green Bay is the winner for aspiring homeowners. LA is a renter’s market by necessity, not choice. If owning a home with a yard is a life goal, Green Bay makes it achievable.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Los Angeles: This is the ultimate dealbreaker for many. The average commute can be 45-60 minutes each way. The "rush hour" is a 5-hour window. Your car is your office, your dining room, and your stress chamber. Gas prices are among the highest in the nation.
Green Bay: Traffic is a non-issue. A 10-15 minute commute is standard, even across town. You can run errands during your lunch break. This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Weather & Climate
Los Angeles: The data says 54.0°F, but that’s the annual average. The reality is near-perfect Mediterranean weather: dry, sunny, and mild year-round. Summers are warm but dry (low humidity), and winters are cool and often rainy. The biggest weather-related issue is drought and wildfire risk.
Green Bay: The data says 18.0°F, which is just the annual average. The reality is extreme seasonal swings. Winters are long, cold, and snowy (often below freezing for months). Summers are warm and humid. You must be prepared for winter driving, snow removal, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a major lifestyle adjustment.
Crime & Safety
Los Angeles: The violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety can vary dramatically by neighborhood, and property crime is also a concern. You must be vigilant.
Green Bay: The violent crime rate is 345.0 per 100k. While not zero, it’s less than half of LA’s rate. Generally, Green Bay is considered a very safe city, especially in its residential neighborhoods.
The Verdict:
- Commute: Green Bay (No contest)
- Weather: It's a Tie (Personal Preference) LA offers mild weather year-round; Green Bay offers distinct seasons.
- Safety: Green Bay (Statistically safer)
The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s my final, opinionated breakdown.
Winner for Families: Green Bay
Why: The combination of affordable housing ($270k median home), lower crime rates, short commutes, and a strong sense of community is a recipe for family stability. Your kids can play outside, you can own a home with a yard, and you won’t be stuck in traffic for hours. The public schools are solid, and the cost of living allows for a higher quality of life without the financial strain.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Los Angeles
Why: While Green Bay is affordable, it lacks the career opportunities, social scene, and cultural diversity that young pros often crave. If you’re in entertainment, tech, or a creative field, LA is the epicenter. The dating scene is massive, and the networking potential is unparalleled. You’ll trade housing space for access and experience. It’s a grind, but for the right person, it’s worth it.
Winner for Retirees: Green Bay
Why: This is a slam dunk. On a fixed income, your nest egg goes 3-4x further in Green Bay. You can sell a home in a HCOL area and buy a equivalent or better home outright, with no mortgage. The slower pace, safe environment, and friendly community are perfect for retirement. The harsh winters are the only real caveat, but many retirees embrace the seasonal change or spend part of the winter elsewhere.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Los Angeles: The Dream Machine
Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: Especially in entertainment, tech, and business.
- World-Class Culture & Food: Endless dining, museums, and entertainment.
- Mild, Sunny Weather: Near-perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
- Diversity: A true melting pot of cultures and people.
- Proximity to Nature: Beaches, mountains, and deserts are all within a short drive.
Cons:
- Extreme Cost of Living: The $1,002,500 home price is a massive barrier.
- Brutal Traffic & Long Commutes: A daily source of stress and lost time.
- High Taxes & Fees: Erodes your purchasing power.
- Competitive & Stressful Culture: The hustle can be exhausting.
- Homelessness & Safety Concerns: Visible in many parts of the city.
Green Bay: The Affordable Haven
Pros:
- Incredibly Affordable Housing: $270,000 for a median home is almost unheard of.
- Short Commutes & Minimal Traffic: You get hours of your day back.
- Safe & Family-Friendly: Low crime rates and a strong community feel.
- Four Distinct Seasons: Enjoy beautiful falls, warm summers, and snowy winters.
- Packer Pride: A unique, unifying cultural touchstone.
Cons:
- Harsh, Long Winters: Can be difficult for those not used to snow and cold.
- Limited Career Diversity: Economy is driven by healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
- Smaller City Issues: Fewer dining, entertainment, and international travel options.
- Less Diversity: Homogeneity compared to LA.
- The Packer Obsession: If you’re not a football fan, the constant focus can be overwhelming.
The Bottom Line: There’s no "better" city, only the better city for you. If your priority is career, culture, and you can handle the financial grind, Los Angeles is your stage. If your priority is affordability, safety, community, and homeownership, Green Bay is your smart move. Choose wisely.