Median rent is 39% lower in Killeen ($1,147/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Killeen, where the median home runs $196,000 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $58,339 a year). Taken together, Killeen is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Killeen is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Killeen vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Killeen, TX
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Killeen, TX?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$92,401
You'd need $17,401 more (23% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Killeen
Texas
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Killeen — median rent of $1,147/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $196,000 in Killeen — 78% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Killeen a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Killeen has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Killeen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Killeen.
Pick Killeen if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,147/mo median).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Killeen cheaper than Los Angeles?
Killeen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Killeen.
How much is rent in Killeen vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,147/mo in Killeen, TX and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Killeen, TX has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Killeen or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen, TX and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Killeen or Los Angeles?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Killeen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Killeen, TX is equivalent to roughly $123,201 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology