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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Los Angeles, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

32.0% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
50.8% 50.8% more expensive housing
14.6% 14.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.8% more
Austin
118
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 14.6% more
Austin
96
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 27.6% more
Austin
98
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 15.5% more
Austin
97
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Austin
99
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10313632.0% more
Housing11817850.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,50072.4% more
Median Home Price$425,000$880,000107.1% more
Groceries9611014.6% more
Transportation9812527.6% more
Healthcare9711215.5% more
Utilities991056.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Los Angeles, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Los Angeles costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Austin979,882
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from Austin to Los Angeles?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Los Angeles → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Los Angeles →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Los Angeles vs Portland → Los Angeles vs Phoenix → Los Angeles vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 50.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $1,050 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Los Angeles?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $455,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.