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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Austin

Texas
134

Los Angeles is 40% more expensive than Austin.

$1,879/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,655/mo ↓ 12%
$80,366/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$91,461/yr ↑ 14%
$879,500 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$512,700 ↓ 42%
$2,055/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 15%
3,857,897
Population
967,862

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $11,095/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $512,700 in Austin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Austin — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Austin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Austin?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Austin it's $1,655/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Austin?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $91,461 in Austin. Median household income is $11,095/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Austin?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Austin has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,655/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Austin details →

More Comparisons

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