Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Torrance, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Torrance

California
218

Austin is 39% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,655/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 34%
$91,461/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 24%
$512,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 102%
$1,747/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 31%
967,862
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $21,644/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Torrance — common questions

Is Austin or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Torrance?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Torrance?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $21,644/year higher in Torrance.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Torrance details →

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