Austin vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living (2026)

Austin is 48% less expensive than Los Angeles. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs California's 9.3%.

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At a glance

Austin, TX

COL index110 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo ✓
Median home price$520K ✓
VS

Los Angeles, CA

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryAustin indexLos Angeles indexDifference
Housing144 ✓215+71%
Groceries104 ✓153+49%
Transportation105 ✓151+46%
Healthcare107 ✓157+50%
Utilities104 ✓145+41%

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

Salary equivalency: Austin → Los Angeles

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

Salary in AustinEquivalent in Los AngelesDifference
$60,000$102,000+$42,000
$80,000$137,000+$57,000
$100,000$171,000+$71,000
$130,000$222,000+$92,000
$150,000$256,000+$106,000
$200,000$342,000+$142,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Austin, TX and Los Angeles, CA, Austin comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 110 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 48%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin 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 Austin is $520,000, compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,650/month in Austin versus $2,600/month in Los Angeles.

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