Austin vs Los Angeles: cost of living compared
Los Angeles is 48% more expensive than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Austin and Los Angeles involves a substantial shift in overall cost of living. Los Angeles is considerably more expensive across the board, with its higher housing costs being the primary driver of this difference. While other categories also show Los Angeles as pricier, the gap in housing expenses is particularly pronounced, making it the most significant factor in the overall budget comparison between these two dynamic metropolitan areas.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are noticeably more expensive in Los Angeles compared to Austin. Los Angeles typically features a denser housing stock with many multi-unit dwellings, while Austin offers a mix of housing types, often including more single-family homes. Beyond the purchase price or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, contributing to the overall ownership or rental burden.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all higher in Los Angeles. Additionally, California has a state income tax, which Texas does not, further impacting take-home pay for Los Angeles residents. This means that even routine spending on groceries, getting around, and household services will generally require a larger portion of income in Los Angeles than in Austin, affecting the household budget significantly.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle differences are notable. Austin experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, while Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate, often sunny and mild. Getting around in Los Angeles frequently involves navigating extensive roadways and public transit options across a vast urban sprawl. Austin, while growing, has a somewhat more compact feel, though traffic can still be a consideration. Both metros offer vibrant cultural scenes and outdoor activities.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: a household budget will stretch considerably further in Austin than in Los Angeles. The difference in housing costs alone is substantial, and when combined with higher everyday expenses and the presence of a state income tax in California, the total cost of living in Los Angeles becomes significantly greater. Understanding these core financial distinctions is crucial for planning a relocation between these two major cities.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 175 |
| Housing index | 132 | 201 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 129 |
| Food index | 102 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 118 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 128 |
| Misc index | 102 | 118 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $795,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Los Angeles home with the True Cost Calculator.