Cost of Living: Houston vs Los Angeles (2026)

Houston vs Los Angeles cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Los Angeles is about 15% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $115,145 in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is about 15% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $115,145 in Los Angeles.

Houston vs Los Angeles: the numbers

MetricHoustonLos AngelesDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99114+15%
Median rent$1,313$1,879+43%
Median home value$253,400$879,500+247%
Median household income$62,894$80,366+28%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Houston has the same buying power as about $115,145 in Los Angeles. Going the other way, $100,000 in Los Angeles is like $86,847 in Houston.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Houston and Los Angeles.

Compare any salary: Houston vs Los Angeles

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 114 vs 99 — a 15% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $115,145 — that's what you'd need in Los Angeles to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.