Median rent is 18% lower in New Braunfels ($1,536/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Braunfels, where the median home runs $315,100 versus $879,500. Households earn more in New Braunfels ($88,257 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, New Braunfels is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 113.3 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New Braunfels, TX.
Quick verdict
New Braunfels is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.0 in New Braunfels vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
New Braunfels, TX
How much would you need to earn in New Braunfels, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in New Braunfels, TX
$62,886
You could earn $12,114 less (16% lower) and break even.
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
Los Angeles
California
New Braunfels
Texas
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in New Braunfels at $1,536/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $315,100 in New Braunfels — 64% 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 New Braunfels a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; New Braunfels has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
New Braunfels
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for New Braunfels.
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.0 vs 113.3).
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,257/yr).
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,536/mo median).
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than New Braunfels?
New Braunfels is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in New Braunfels.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs New Braunfels?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, TX. New Braunfels, TX has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or New Braunfels?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $88,257 in New Braunfels, TX. New Braunfels, TX 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 — Los Angeles or New Braunfels?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in New Braunfels to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $83,848 in New Braunfels, TX (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