Median rent is 38% lower in Temple ($1,174/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Temple, where the median home runs $220,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $64,945 a year). Taken together, Temple is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Temple is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Temple vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Temple, TX
How much would you need to earn in Temple, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Temple, TX
$60,876
You could earn $14,124 less (19% 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
Temple
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Temple — median rent of $1,174/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $220,300 in Temple — 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 Temple a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; Temple has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Temple
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Temple.
Pick Temple 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 Temple if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,174/mo median).
Pick Temple if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Temple?
Temple 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 Temple.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Temple?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,174/mo in Temple, TX. Temple, TX has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Temple?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $64,945 in Temple, TX. 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 — Los Angeles or Temple?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Temple 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 $81,168 in Temple, 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