Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Austin, TX
Thinking about moving from Los Angeles, CA to Austin, TX? Overall prices are 13% lower in Austin, TX than in Los Angeles, CA, making Austin, TX the more affordable of the two. This guide breaks down housing, income, taxes, and climate using the latest US government data so you can plan your relocation budget with realistic numbers rather than guesswork.
Salary calculator
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$65,404
You could earn $9,596 less (13% 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.
Housing
Median rent is 12% lower in Austin ($1,655) than in Los Angeles ($1,879). The typical home value is 42% lower in Austin ($512,700) than in Los Angeles ($879,500). Factor in moving costs, deposits, and the gap between advertised and median rents when you set a housing budget.
Income & jobs
Median household income is 12% higher in Austin ($91,461) than in Los Angeles ($80,366). After adjusting pay for local prices, a typical paycheck goes further in Austin, TX.
Taxes
The top state income tax rate is 100% lower in Austin (0.00%) than in Los Angeles (13.30%). State sales tax is 14% lower in Austin (6.25%) than in Los Angeles (7.25%). Remember that local taxes and your specific bracket change the real picture (Tax Foundation, 2024).
Climate & air quality
Average air quality index is 39% lower in Austin (47.0) than in Los Angeles (77.0). Lower AQI means cleaner air on a typical day, though seasonal wildfire smoke and pollen can shift this.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin, TX cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?
Yes. Austin, TX has an overall cost index of 98.8 versus 113.3 in Los Angeles, CA — about 13% cheaper overall.
How much is rent in Austin, TX?
The median gross rent in Austin is $1,655 per month (US Census ACS).
What salary do you need in Austin, TX?
Median household income in Austin is $91,461. Use the salary calculator on this page to convert your current Los Angeles pay into the equivalent you'd need in Austin.