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

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

29.4% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
48.3% 48.3% cheaper housing
14.5% 14.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 14.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation 20.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 15.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1369629.4% less
Housing1789248.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,20052.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$295,00066.5% less
Groceries1109414.5% less
Transportation12510020.0% less
Healthcare1129515.2% less
Utilities105106~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Houston, TX
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Houston costs more but median income is lower. 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 Houston to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Houston70°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Houston2,304,580

Moving from Los Angeles to Houston?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 48.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $1,300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Houston?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Houston?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Los Angeles vs Houston?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $585,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Texas averages 1.60%.