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Austin vs Los Angeles

Austin runs about 39% cheaper than Los Angeles for this household, a difference of 1,303 USD a month.

The skyline of Austin, the capital city of Texas. With a population of 961,855, it's the 13th-most populous city in the U.S.
Austin
$3,356/month · United States
Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0
The Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, as seen from a DJI Mavic 3.
Los Angeles
$4,659/month · United States
InvadingInvader · CC BY-SA 4.0
Austin monthly
$3,356
Index 53 (NYC = 100)
Los Angeles monthly
$4,659
Index 73 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+39%
Los Angeles relative to Austin
Rent gap
$1,064
Los Angeles costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

AustinLos Angeles
  • Housing
    Housing: Austin $1,443, Los Angeles $2,507. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Food
    Food: Austin $755, Los Angeles $849. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Transport
    Transport: Austin $114, Los Angeles $186. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Austin $235, Los Angeles $239. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Austin $513, Los Angeles $537. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Austin $154, Los Angeles $182. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Other
    Other: Austin $142, Los Angeles $159. Cheaper in Austin.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricAustinLos Angeles
Cost
Total monthly cost3,356 USD✓4,659 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)53✓73
Housing1,443 USD✓2,507 USD
Utilities235 USD✓239 USD
Food755 USD✓849 USD
Transport114 USD✓186 USD
Healthcare513 USD✓537 USD
Lifestyle154 USD✓182 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,575 USD✓5,978 USD
Effective tax + social rate21.1%✓28.3%
Left over each month3,219 USD✓1,319 USD
Average local net salary4,700 USD✓4,600 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,443 USD✓2,507 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,623 USD✓4,714 USD
Buy price per m², centre4,200 USD✓9,500 USD
Quality of life
Safety62/100✓48/100
Healthcare78/10082/100✓
Air quality70/100✓45/100
Public transport32/10048/100✓
Walkability45/10055/100✓
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife82/10088/100✓
Family friendliness74/100✓62/100
Median broadband280 Mbps✓230 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature21°C18°C✓
Summer high35°C29°C✓
Winter low4°C9°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,650 h3,250 h✓
Annual rainfall870 mm380 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach accessNone nearby30 min✓
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/ChicagoAmerica/Los_Angeles

Austin runs about 39% cheaper than Los Angeles for this household, a difference of 1,303 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in AustinCost of living in Los AngelesConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Austin vs MontrealAustin vs SeattleAustin vs Toronto
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Austin or Los Angeles cheaper?

Austin runs about 39% cheaper than Los Angeles for this household, a difference of 1,303 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Los Angeles compared with Austin?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,575 a month in Austin and $5,978 in Los Angeles, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Austin or Los Angeles?

Austin scores 62/100 on safety and 78/100 on healthcare; Los Angeles scores 48 and 82. Austin averages 21°C against 18°C in Los Angeles.