Houston vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living (2026)
Houston is 79% less expensive than Los Angeles. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs California's 9.3%.
Enter your salary → get exact comparisonAt a glance
Houston, TX
COL index91 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,250/mo ✓
Median home price$290K ✓
VS
Los Angeles, CA
COL index163
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$2,600/mo
Median home price$850K
Cost breakdown by category
Salary equivalency: Houston → Los Angeles
What salary in Los Angeles gives you the same purchasing power as your Houston salary?
Houston vs Los Angeles: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
When comparing the cost of living between Houston, TX and Los Angeles, CA, Houston comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 91 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 79%.
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 Houston is $290,000, compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,250/month in Houston versus $2,600/month in Los Angeles.