Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Austin (2026)
Compare cost of living: Los Angeles vs Austin. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Austin is 44% cheaper.
Los Angeles is approximately 44% more expensive than Austin overall. Moving from Los Angeles to Austin could save you $11400+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Los Angeles vs Austin including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Los Angeles or Austin is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Los Angeles | Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 166 | 115 | +44% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,600/mo | $1,650/mo | +$950 |
| Median Salary | $65,000 | $62,000 | +$3,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $108 | $93 | +$15 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $125 | $98 | +$27 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Los Angeles, you would need approximately $51,958 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Austin requires $108,261 in Los Angeles.
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $34,639 |
| $75,000 | $51,958 |
| $100,000 | $69,277 |
| $125,000 | $86,596 |
| $150,000 | $103,916 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,600 in Los Angeles vs $1,650 in Austin — $950/month or $11,400/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.