Austin vs Los Angeles: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Austin's median home value is $461,500 — 44% lower than Los Angeles's $822,600.
Median household income is $86,556 in Austin versus $76,244 in Los Angeles.
Typical rent runs $1,549 in Austin and $1,791 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Austin, TX | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 958,202 | 3,881,041 |
| Median home value | $461,500 | $822,600 |
| Median household income | $86,556 | $76,244 |
| Median gross rent | $1,549 | $1,791 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
On housing costs, Austin, TX looks more affordable than Los Angeles, CA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.