A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Austin, TX and Los Angeles, CA.
TX
Population: 979,882
CA
Population: 3,820,914
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Austin, TX | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 170 | -35.3% |
| Median Home Price | $425,000 | $850,000 | -50.0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.68% | 0.76% | +121.1% |
| Median Household Income | $80,954 | $75,902 | +6.7% |
| Population | 979,882 | 3,820,914 | -74.4% |
Austin, TX is 35.3% cheaper to live in than Los Angeles, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$425,000
Austin, TX is cheaper by 50.0%
Income Difference
$5,052
Austin, TX earns more by 6.7%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Austin, TX
5.2x
$425,000 / $80,954
Los Angeles, CA
11.2x
$850,000 / $75,902
Overall, Austin, TX is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 110 compared to 170, a median home price of $425,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 5.2x, Austin, TX offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Austin, TX ($80,954) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.