Median rent is 12% lower in Spring ($1,656/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spring, where the median home runs $221,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Spring ($86,888 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Spring is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.0 against 113.3 — about 21% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spring, TX.
Quick verdict
Spring is 21% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.0 in Spring vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Spring, TX
How much would you need to earn in Spring, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Spring, TX
$59,578
You could earn $15,422 less (21% 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
Spring
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 Spring at $1,656/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $221,300 in Spring — 75% 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 Spring a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; Spring has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Spring
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Spring.
Pick Spring if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.0 vs 113.3).
Pick Spring if you prioritize higher median household income ($86,888/yr).
Pick Spring if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,656/mo median).
Pick Spring if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Spring?
Spring is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 21% lower in Spring.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Spring?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,656/mo in Spring, TX. Spring, TX has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Spring?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $86,888 in Spring, TX. Spring, 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 Spring?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Spring 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 $79,437 in Spring, 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