Redmond vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Redmond	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$172,979	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$1,350,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$625	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,864	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	151.5	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	372.1	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	76.4%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	45	52

Los Angeles vs. Redmond: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re staring down a relocation crossroads. On one side, you’ve got Los Angeles—the sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis where dreams are chased and traffic is a lifestyle. On the other, Redmond—the tech-centric, evergreen oasis in Washington State, home to Microsoft and a whole lot of rain. It’s a classic clash of titans: the entertainment capital of the world versus the quiet powerhouse of the Pacific Northwest.

Let's cut through the noise. This isn't about which city is "better" in a vacuum. It's about which one is better for you. As your relocation expert, I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, backed by data and seasoned with real-world advice. Grab your coffee; we’re diving deep.

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The Vibe Check: Hollywood Glam vs. Pacific Northwest Zen

Los Angeles is a beast of a city. It’s not just a place; it’s a vibe, a hustle, an identity. The culture here is driven by creativity and ambition. You’ll find surfers at dawn, studio execs in traffic, and aspiring actors waiting tables. It’s a city of transplants, a melting pot where no single culture dominates. The lifestyle is outdoorsy and car-dependent. Your weekend might be a hike in Griffith Park, a beach day in Santa Monica, or a taco truck crawl in East LA. It’s fast-paced, glamorous, and undeniably chaotic. Who is LA for? The ambitious creative, the entertainment industry professional, the beach lover, and anyone who thrives in high-energy, diverse environments.

Redmond, in contrast, is a masterclass in organized serenity. Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, it’s a city of tech titans, family-focused neighborhoods, and stunning natural beauty. The vibe is less about flashy status and more about quiet competence. The culture is heavily influenced by the massive Microsoft campus (and its satellite offices from Google, Facebook, and more). Life revolves around outdoor recreation—hiking, biking, kayaking—and a strong sense of community. It’s polished, safe, and incredibly family-friendly. Who is Redmond for? The tech professional, the young family, the outdoor enthusiast, and anyone who values stability, safety, and access to nature over nightlife.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch?

This is the make-or-break category for most. Let's talk purchasing power. A high salary means nothing if it’s instantly vaporized by cost of living.

The Cost of Living Table

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Redmond, WA	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$1,350,000	Sticker shock in both, but Redmond's market is 35% pricier for a home.
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,864	Surprisingly, Redmond is slightly cheaper for renters, but the gap is narrow.
Housing Index	173.0	151.5	A higher index means more expensive housing. LA is 14% more expensive on this metric.
Median Income	$79,701	$172,979	Redmond’s median income is over double LA's. This is a key differentiator.
Sales Tax	9.5% (City + County)	6.5% (State + Local)	Washington wins on sales tax.
State Income Tax	1% - 12.3% (Progressive)	0% (No state income tax)	Huge win for Washington. This alone can mean thousands back in your pocket.

Let’s break this down. If you earn $100,000 in LA, after California's brutal state income tax (roughly 6-7% for this bracket), you’re left with about $74,000 net. In Redmond, with 0% state income tax, that same $100k salary nets you about $81,000. That’s $7,000 more in your bank account annually, before you even factor in other costs.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power: Redmond’s tech-driven economy pulls in a much higher median income. This means the baseline for professionals is elevated. However, the housing costs are also sky-high, especially for buying. The real question is: can you command a salary that matches Redmond's median? If you're in tech, yes. If you're in another industry, you might find the salary gap doesn't close the cost-of-living chasm.

Verdict: For raw dollar power, Redmond has the edge due to 0% state income tax and higher median incomes, but only if your salary can keep pace with its inflated market. For renters on a more modest budget, LA's slightly lower median home price and competitive rent (for a major metro) might feel more accessible, albeit with a heavier tax burden.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Los Angeles: The market is perpetually competitive. The $1M+ median price is a brutal reality. You’re looking at a Seller's Market with low inventory and high demand. Finding a single-family home under a million in a desirable neighborhood is a Herculean task. Renting is the default for many, but even that is a fierce battle with sky-high prices and stringent requirements. The "starter home" in LA is often a condo or a fixer-upper in an up-and-coming (read: less safe) area.

Redmond: The market is even more expensive on the surface. The $1.35M median price puts it in the top tier of the U.S. housing market. It’s also a Seller's Market, heavily influenced by the influx of high-earning tech workers. The competition is fierce, and cash offers are common. However, the housing stock is different—more modern, suburban homes with yards, often in master-planned communities. The trade-off is that for the price of a modest LA condo, you might get a spacious family home in Redmond (albeit with a higher mortgage payment).

The Bottom Line: If you're looking to buy, both are daunting. Redmond is more expensive upfront, but you get more house and land for your money compared to LA. If you're renting, the markets are similar in intensity, but LA offers more variety in terms of urban living (apartments in DTLA, West Hollywood, etc.) versus Redmond's more suburban rental landscape.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Los Angeles is infamous for its traffic. The average commute time is ~30 minutes, but that can easily double during peak hours. Public transit (Metro) exists but is limited in scope and reliability. You will spend time in your car. For many, this is the single biggest quality-of-life drain.
Redmond has a more manageable commute, especially within the Eastside. The real headache is the I-405 corridor into Seattle, which can be congested. Public transit (King County Metro) is excellent, and many tech companies offer robust shuttle services. Biking is also a popular and feasible option for many.

Weather

Los Angeles is the poster child for Mediterranean climate: 54°F average, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It’s sunny and pleasant most of the year. The downside is the lack of seasons, the occasional 90°F+ heatwaves, and the infamous "June Gloom" marine layer.
Redmond is classic Pacific Northwest: 48°F average, with cool, damp winters (lots of rain, but rarely snow) and mild, dry summers. It’s green and lush year-round. The trade-off is the gray, overcast skies for about 8-9 months. If you need sunshine to function, Redmond can be a psychological challenge. Summers, however, are arguably the most perfect in the country.

Crime & Safety

This is where the data speaks volumes. Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100,000. While specific neighborhoods vary wildly (e.g., Beverly Hills vs. South LA), the city-wide average is significantly higher than the U.S. average.
Redmond boasts a violent crime rate of 372.1 per 100,000—almost half of LA's. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Washington State. For families and individuals prioritizing safety, this is a massive point in Redmond's favor.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the final showdown.

👑 Winner for Families: Redmond

It’s not even close. The superior safety stats, highly-rated public schools (Redmond is part of the Lake Washington School District, one of the best in the state), and abundance of parks and family-friendly activities make it a top-tier choice. The suburban layout with yards and community centers is ideal for raising kids. The higher cost of living is offset by the exceptional quality of life and security.

👑 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles (with a caveat)

This depends entirely on your industry. If you're in entertainment, arts, or a creative field, LA is the undisputed winner. The networking opportunities, the sheer scale of the industry, and the vibrant social scene are unmatched. If you're a tech professional (even in a non-tech role), Redmond offers a higher salary floor, a more focused career environment, and easier access to outdoor recreation. For a young professional seeking constant action and diversity, LA wins. For one seeking balance and career growth in tech, Redmond wins.

👑 Winner for Retirees: Los Angeles

This is a tough call, but LA's weather is the ultimate trump card for retirees. The lack of harsh winters, the ability to be outdoors year-round, and the access to world-class healthcare (Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Medical) give it an edge. While Redmond is peaceful and safe, the persistent gray skies and rain can be isolating for older adults. LA's diverse neighborhoods also offer more variety in retirement communities and cultural activities.

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Final Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

PROS:

• World-class entertainment, dining, and cultural scene.
• Iconic, diverse neighborhoods with unique characters.
• Excellent weather (sunshine most of the year).
• Proximity to the beach and mountains.
• Massive, dynamic job market (beyond just entertainment).

CONS:

• Extreme traffic and long commutes.
• High cost of living (especially housing and taxes).
• Higher crime rates city-wide.
• Can feel impersonal and isolating despite the population.
• Air pollution and urban sprawl.

Redmond

PROS:

• Extremely safe and family-friendly.
• Top-rated public schools and community services.
• Access to stunning natural beauty (lakes, forests, mountains).
• 0% state income tax and higher median incomes.
• Cleaner air and less urban sprawl.
• Strong, stable tech job market.

CONS:

• Very expensive housing market (especially for buyers).
• Wet, gray winters for most of the year.
• Less diverse cultural and nightlife scene.
• Can feel insular or "tech bubble" focused.
• Further from major international airports (Seattle-Tacoma is ~45 min).

The Bottom Line

Choose Los Angeles if you crave the energy of a global metropolis, work in a creative industry, and can tolerate the traffic and taxes for the sake of sunshine and diversity. It’s a city of opportunity, but you pay dearly for the privilege.

Choose Redmond if you prioritize safety, schools, and nature, work in or near the tech industry, and don’t mind the rain. It offers a high-quality, stable, and prosperous lifestyle, but with fewer of the flashy urban amenities and a more homogenous culture.

The real question isn't which city is better—it's which trade-offs you're willing to make. Good luck with your decision.