A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Houston, TX and Los Angeles, CA.
TX
Population: 2,302,878
CA
Population: 3,820,914
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Houston, TX | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 170 | -44.1% |
| Median Home Price | $300,000 | $850,000 | -64.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.82% | 0.76% | +139.5% |
| Median Household Income | $57,791 | $75,902 | -23.9% |
| Population | 2,302,878 | 3,820,914 | -39.7% |
Houston, TX is 44.1% cheaper to live in than Los Angeles, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$550,000
Houston, TX is cheaper by 64.7%
Income Difference
$18,111
Los Angeles, CA earns more by 23.9%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Houston, TX
5.2x
$300,000 / $57,791
Los Angeles, CA
11.2x
$850,000 / $75,902
Overall, Houston, TX is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 95 compared to 170, a median home price of $300,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 5.2x, Houston, TX offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Los Angeles, CA ($75,902) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.