Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Houston is 42% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $43,373 in Houston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $600,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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