Los Angeles vs Houston
Cost of Living (2026)

Houston is 44% more affordable than Los Angeles. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs California's 9.3%.

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At a glance

Los Angeles, CA

COL index163
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$2,600/mo
Median home price$850K
VS

Houston, TX

COL index91 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,250/mo ✓
Median home price$290K ✓

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLos Angeles indexHouston indexDifference
Housing215118 ✓-97%
Groceries15387 ✓-66%
Transportation15188 ✓-63%
Healthcare15788 ✓-69%
Utilities14589 ✓-56%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Los Angeles → Houston

What salary in Houston gives you the same purchasing power as your Los Angeles salary?

Salary in Los AngelesEquivalent in HoustonDifference
$60,000$29,000$-31,000
$80,000$39,000$-41,000
$100,000$48,000$-52,000
$130,000$63,000$-67,000
$150,000$73,000$-77,000
$200,000$97,000$-103,000

Los Angeles vs Houston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX, Houston comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 91 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 44%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston workers an immediate 9.3% take-home pay advantage over Los Angeles workers who pay California's 9.3% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Los Angeles is $850,000, compared to $290,000 in Houston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,600/month in Los Angeles versus $1,250/month in Houston.

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