Austin vs Los Angeles
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Austin, TX and Los Angeles, CA.
Austin, TX
COL Index
112
Monthly Budget
$5,600
State Tax
None
Population
1.0M
Los Angeles, CA
COL Index
166
Monthly Budget
$8,300
State Tax
12.3%
Population
4.0M
Austin is 48% less expensive than Los Angeles
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Austin | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,947 | $3,283 | -$1,336 |
| Groceries | $712 | $993 | -$281 |
| Transport | $886 | $1,275 | -$389 |
| Healthcare | $434 | $585 | -$151 |
| Utilities | $336 | $498 | -$162 |
| Other | $1,315 | $1,834 | -$519 |
| Total | $5,600 | $8,300 | -$2,700 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Austin (TX) | Los Angeles (CA) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $0 | $5,953 | -$5,953 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $20,820 | $26,773 | -$5,953 |
| Take-Home Pay | $79,180 | $73,227 | +$5,953 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Austin salary is worth in Los Angeles (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Austin Salary | Equivalent in Los Angeles | Los Angeles Salary | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $74,107 | $50,000 | $33,735 |
| $75,000 | $111,161 | $75,000 | $50,602 |
| $100,000 | $148,214 | $100,000 | $67,470 |
| $150,000 | $222,321 | $150,000 | $101,205 |