Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 126.4
- Goods RPP
- 93.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,924/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Austin, TX is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA by about 12.6% (RPP 113.1 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $52,414
in Austin, TX
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $87,356
in Austin, TX
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $131,034
in Austin, TX
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Austin, TX cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
- Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 12.6%.
- What salary do I need in Austin, TX if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $87,356 in Austin, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 113.1).