Is Houston, TX cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 44.3% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $3324 per month.

What salary do I need in Houston, TX to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $110,115.407 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 71.7% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $3324 per month, or $39885 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Los Angeles, CA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.1K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 44.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,324

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$245K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Los Angeles, CA vs Houston, TX

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $5,559less	71.7%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $709less	32.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$911/mo	↓ $129less	12.4%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,768/mo	↑ $36.83more	2.1%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$562/mo	↑ $8.05more	1.5%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$552/mo	↓ $4.92less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 71.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$5,559

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$709

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.4%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$129

less

📦Other

↑ 2.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$36.83

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.5%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$8.05

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$4.92

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$1,220

↓ $690

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$1,260

↓ $875

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,500

↓ $1,160

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$2,020

↓ $1,350

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$6,357

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Houston

$885K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 72% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles Calculate payment - Houston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.