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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Torrance

California
218

Houston is 60% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,313/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 69%
$62,894/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 80%
$253,400 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 309%
$1,316/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 74%
2,300,419
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $901/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $10,812/year.

Median household income is $50,211/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Torrance — common questions

Is Houston or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Torrance?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $901/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Torrance?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $50,211/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 Houston or Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

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