salaryHouston is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Los Angeles to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,533
$2,498
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$2,339
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$88,371
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$921,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$6,050
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$151
👥 People living there
2,328,253
3,857,263
Commute to work
27.2 min
30.7 min
College degree
36.6%
38.5%
Own their home
42.1%
36%
Below poverty line
19.9%
16.5%
Unemployment
6.9%
8.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Los Angeles for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $98,050 | +66% in Los Angeles |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $121,980 | +64% in Los Angeles |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $35,850 | +62% in Los Angeles |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,500 | $101,860 | +58% in Los Angeles |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $75,740 | +52% in Los Angeles |
| Registered Nurse | $99,830 | $135,560 | +36% in Los Angeles |
| Restaurant Cook | $35,050 | $44,460 | +27% in Los Angeles |
| Cashier | $29,350 | $36,980 | +26% in Los Angeles |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $2,498 in Los Angeles.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $69,087 a year gives the same standard of living in Los Angeles.
Where do people earn more, Houston or Los Angeles?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $88,371 in Los Angeles, 21% more in Los Angeles.