Los Angeles vs Austin: Cost of Living Comparison
Los Angeles and Austin represent two competing visions of Sun Belt living, with Californians flocking to Austin in record numbers over the past several years. LA offers an unmatched entertainment industry, year-round Mediterranean weather, and beach access, but its housing costs, traffic congestion, and California's high state income tax push many residents to consider alternatives. Austin provides a lower cost of living, no state income tax, and a booming tech scene, though its summers are brutally hot and its public transit is limited. The salary differential between the two cities is significant, so movers should calculate whether Austin's cost savings outweigh any potential pay cuts.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Austin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 146 | 123 | Austin |
| Housing | 218 | 151 | Austin |
| Groceries | 107 | 97 | Austin |
| Transportation | 118 | 103 | Austin |
| Utilities | 103 | 101 | Austin |
Index values are estimates for general comparison purposes relative to a national average of 100. Lower is cheaper. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, household size, and lifestyle.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Los Angeles vs Austin
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Los Angeles are worth in Austin - and vice versa.
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,123 | $-7,877 |
| $75,000 | $63,185 | $-11,815 |
| $100,000 | $84,247 | $-15,753 |
| $150,000 | $126,370 | $-23,630 |
Austin is cheaper, so you need less income to maintain your standard of living. A negative difference means you keep more purchasing power.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Austin wins): Housing is 44% more expensive in Los Angeles than Austin. Los Angeles has a housing index of 218 vs 151. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Austin wins): Grocery costs in Los Angeles (index 107) are higher than Austin (index 97). Los Angeles is above the national average while Austin is below.
Transportation (Austin wins): Transportation costs index 118 in Los Angeles vs 103 in Austin. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The 15-point gap can add up, especially for commuters.
Utilities (Austin wins): Utilities cost more in Los Angeles (index 103) than Austin (index 101). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role - cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare prices from up to 3 local movers. No obligation, no spam.
Want to Estimate Costs Before Getting Quotes?
Use our free calculator to build a detailed moving budget - movers, truck rental, flights, deposits, and all the hidden costs.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Related Comparisons
FAQ - Los Angeles vs Austin Cost of Living
Is Los Angeles or Austin more expensive to live in?
Los Angeles is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 146 compared to 123 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Los Angeles costs 67 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Los Angeles vs Austin?
Housing in Los Angeles has an index of 218 compared to 151 in Austin. That's 44% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Los Angeles worth in Austin?
A $100,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to approximately $84,247 in Austin. This means you would need to earn less in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Los Angeles or Austin?
Groceries are cheaper in Austin, with an index of 97 compared to 107 in Los Angeles. The national average is 100, so one city is above and one is below the national average.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Austin to save money?
Moving from Los Angeles to Austin could save you money, as Austin's overall cost of living index is 23 points lower. However, consider your specific situation - salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.