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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Houston

Texas
88

Los Angeles is 99% more expensive than Houston.

$1,879/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,313/mo ↓ 30%
$80,366/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$62,894/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 247%
Home Value
$253,400 ↓ 71%
$2,055/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,316/mo ↓ 36%
3,857,897
Population
2,300,419

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $17,472/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $253,400 in Houston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Houston — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Houston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Houston?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Houston it's $1,313/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Houston?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $62,894 in Houston. Median household income is $17,472/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Houston?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Houston has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,313/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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